Federal CHIPS R&D funding of $2 billion for quantum computing boosts semiconductor-linked ETFs, with SOXQ surging 86% year-to-date.
The Commerce Department’s $2 billion CHIPS R&D funding for nine quantum computing firms has accelerated gains in semiconductor-focused exchange-traded funds. SOXQ, tracking chipmakers, leads with an 86% year-to-date rise, outpacing QTUM’s 43% and AIQ’s 24% gains.
Federal awards, including IBM’s $1 billion and GlobalFoundries’ $375 million, prioritize chip foundries over pure-play quantum stocks. The funding, announced in May, marks the first major federal backing for quantum commercialization in a decade.
Investors are pricing the theme differently, favoring semiconductor fabricators over broader tech or quantum-specific plays. The divergence reflects expectations of near-term revenue from federal contracts rather than long-term quantum adoption.