IonQ, Inc. (IONQ) saw a significant price increase on February 3, 2025, closing at $41.47, up 5.01% from the previous close of $39.49. The stock opened at $37.40 and initially dropped nearly 10% to a low of $37.21, influenced by skepticism from Nvidia and Meta CEOs about the near-term potential of quantum computing. However, IonQ shares rebounded strongly, reaching an intraday high of $42.38, following positive comments from Bill Gates, who suggested that quantum breakthroughs could occur within three to five years. Gates' optimism, coupled with IonQ's announcement of a $21.1 million research contract with the U.S. Air Force Research Lab, helped reverse the initial selloff. Despite the broader sector's volatility, IonQ's strategic moves and Gates' remarks provided a boost, distinguishing it from peers like D-Wave Quantum and Rigetti Computing, which continue to face challenges.