Quantum stocks boomed on Wednesday, driven higher by acquisitions, analyst coverage and investor optimism.  After the closing bell, a major government partnership was announced, sending the hot sector even higher. 

Here's a look at what ‘s driving quantum stocks now. 

IONQ stock is hitting new highs. See the real-time price action here. 

IonQ Catalysts

IonQ Inc. (NYSE:IONQ) announced on Wednesday that it completed the acquisition of Oxford Ionics and entered into a definitive agreement to acquire quantum sensor company Vector Atomic, with more than $200 million in government contracts. 

Read Next: Quantum Stock Tracker: IonQ’s Higher Price Targets, Rigetti Climbs 30%, Nvidia’s New Quantum Investments 

Needham analyst N. Quinn Bolton maintained a Buy rating and $80 price target on IonQ shares, further boosting investor confidence. 

After the closing bell, IonQ announced it had joined the Department of Energy Quantum-in-Space collaboration, which aims to accelerate commercialization and technological leadership in space-based quantum technologies. 

"By bringing ...