量子计算投资对决：IonQ与Rigetti Computing谁将主导未来金融市场？

量子革命正在重塑金融格局——这两家先锋企业正在争夺下一代计算霸权。

量子霸权下的投资机会

IonQ以其离子阱技术突破传统计算极限，股价在过去一年飙升超过200%。机构投资者纷纷押注其商业化进程，高盛最新报告预测量子计算将在2026年前开始影响金融建模。

硬件竞赛白热化

Rigetti Computing则专注于超导量子处理器，最新发布的80量子比特芯片让华尔街眼前一亮。不过，烧钱速度同样惊人——上个季度研发支出同比增长150%，让某些分析师直呼'量子泡沫正在形成'。

现实应用还是概念炒作？

两家公司都在竞相将量子优势转化为实际收益。摩根大通已经开始测试量子算法优化投资组合，而Visa则在探索量子加密支付方案。但批评者指出，大多数金融机构仍在观望——毕竟，在能稳定运行超过5分钟的量子计算机出现前，这些投资看起来更像是一场昂贵的科学实验。

当传统基金经理还在为0.5%的年化收益争得头破血流时，量子先锋们已经在重新定义整个金融基础设施的底层逻辑。这场竞赛的赢家，可能将掌控未来十年的数字资产定价权。

Image source: Getty Images.

The two are taking fundamentally different paths

Rigetti Computing and IonQ are taking two different approaches to quantum computing.

Rigetti Computing is using superconducting quantum computing, which is the approach that many companies are taking, including most of the legacy tech businesses. This technique cools a particle down to absolute zero, then uses its quantum mechanics for calculations. Cooling a particle down to absolute zero isn't cheap, so this gives IonQ an advantage.

IonQ uses a trapped ion approach, which can be done at room temperature. Furthermore, IonQ's trapped ion approach is far more accurate, and IonQ holds world records in one-qubit and two-qubit gate fidelity tests, which measure how accurate a quantum computer is. IonQ's two-qubit gate fidelity sits at 99.97%, while Rigetti's system has a 99.5% two-qubit gate fidelity. While IonQ's advantage may not sound like much, that extra 0.47% is incredibly difficult to come by and shows the inherent accuracy advantage of the trapped ion approach.

However, IonQ's accuracy advantage isn't without its drawbacks. Superconducting quantum computing has far better processing speeds. So, the question of which technology will become commercially relevant boils down to what the market wants.

For a quantum computer to be commercially viable, it must be accurate. This makes IonQ seem like the better buy. However, if Rigetti can reach an accuracy level that's on par with IonQ -- say, a year or two later -- IonQ may not have established a strong enough foothold to hold off a competitor with superior processing speed.

It's impossible to predict the winner of this outcome years before it happens. Both Rigetti and IonQ point toward 2030 as being a turning point in quantum computing relevance, and predicting that far out is a fool's errand. As a result, there may be a better option than picking just Rigetti or IonQ.

Picking both stocks increases the odds of success

Instead of picking one or the other, I'd advise that investors purchase both. That way, if one succeeds while the other flops, the entire investment isn't worthless. Furthermore, the winner of the quantum computing race is likely to provide massive returns, and one gigantic winner can outweigh a lot of losers. This balanced approach decreases the risk in investing in an emerging trend like quantum computing.

Another way to invest in both companies while also grabbing some others in the quantum computing realm is by purchasing a quantum computing ETF. This investment basket is filled with stocks that are investing in the quantum computing realm, including legacy tech players. While the upside for this investment isn't as great, it doesn't have nearly the downside, because some large companies won't go belly-up if they fail to deliver a successful quantum computing solution.

While I like IonQ's chances a bit more, I can't ignore Rigetti Computing or some of its other peers. That's why I think taking a balanced approach to this industry is a smart idea, and that approach has a much better chance of getting investors positive returns compared to just picking a single pure-play.