Rigetti Shares Extend Downtrend Amid Year-End Volatility

Rigetti US76655K1034

The quantum computing sector's earlier exuberance propelled Rigetti Computing's stock to remarkable heights this year. As 2025 draws to a close, however, a sobering correction has taken hold. The equity is now firmly entrenched in a downward phase, with selling pressure dominating near-term sentiment. Market participants are closely watching how the stock responds to its recent significant losses.

A notable shift in market dynamics has occurred in recent weeks. With a lack of fresh, material corporate news to close the year, the focus has turned from earlier catalysts—such as contract wins for its Novera systems—toward an adjustment to a lower valuation. The current environment sees traders prioritizing risk reduction and profit-taking over speculative narratives.

From a broader market perspective, the combination of a steep decline from the peak, a neutral momentum indicator, and extreme price swings suggests a cooling of previously overheated expectations. The $22 zone now serves as a critical short-term level, which will determine whether the stock finds a base or continues its descent.

Technical Picture Points to Consolidation

The technical landscape reveals a stock in a clear corrective phase, though not yet in panic-selling territory. Having retreated sharply from its 52-week high of $48.36, shares have lost more than half their value, currently trading at $22.27. This places the price approximately 54% below its annual peak.

On a shorter timeframe, the stock is down over 11% in the past week. Despite showing a gain of nearly 10% over the last 30 days, the overarching trend remains negative. A key technical development is the share price trading noticeably below its 50-day moving average of $23.73, reinforcing the bearish near-term structure.

Key technical observations include:
* A substantial distance from the yearly high.
* A current price below the 50-day average.
* A neutral Relative Strength Index (RSI) reading of 51.1, coupled with exceptionally high volatility.

The annualized 30-day volatility stands at nearly 94%, characteristic of a highly speculative technology investment where sentiment can shift rapidly. It is worth noting that the current quote maintains a roughly 16% buffer above the 52-week low of $19.20.

Near-Term Outlook for the New Year

The immediate path for Rigetti shares appears challenging. The trend is negative, and the distance from the 50-day average continues to act as overhead resistance. The final trading sessions of 2025 will likely center on whether the stock can establish stability above the $20 psychological level.

Should it succeed, the beginning of 2026 could see a period of technical calm. Conversely, a decisive break below the December low of $19.20 would confirm the ongoing weakness and potentially invite further selling pressure. For now, the charts indicate a damaged but not yet oversold condition, with the high volatility underscoring the stock's uncertain trajectory into the new year.