In the wake of the recent Trump-Intel deal, prominent investor Nic Carter has spotlighted IBM as a potential next target for strategic investments, emphasizing quantum computing's role in national security. According to Nic Carter's recent statement on social media, this perspective comes amid broader market shifts where quantum tech stocks like RGTI and IONQ have faced significant declines over the past week. As a financial analyst specializing in cryptocurrency and stock markets, this development opens up intriguing correlations between traditional tech stocks and the crypto sector, particularly in AI and quantum-resistant blockchain technologies. Traders should note how such national security-driven deals could influence institutional flows into related assets, potentially boosting sentiment in crypto tokens tied to AI and decentralized computing.

Quantum Computing's National Security Angle and Market Implications

The Trump-Intel deal, which reportedly involves substantial government support for domestic chip manufacturing, underscores a push towards securing critical technologies. Nic Carter argues that IBM, with its longstanding expertise in quantum computing, fits perfectly into this narrative as a matter of national security. He mentioned being long on RGTI (Rigetti Computing) and IONQ, though he clarified it's not investment advice, and these stocks have been hammered in recent trading sessions. For context, as of late October 2025, RGTI shares dropped approximately 15% over the last week, trading around $1.20 with heightened volatility, while IONQ saw a steeper decline of about 20%, hovering near $8.50 amid broader tech sector sell-offs. These movements reflect investor caution amid economic uncertainties, but they also highlight potential buying opportunities for those eyeing a rebound driven by policy support.

From a crypto trading perspective, quantum computing advancements pose both risks and opportunities. Quantum tech could theoretically break current encryption standards used in blockchains like Bitcoin (BTC) and Ethereum (ETH), spurring demand for quantum-resistant cryptocurrencies. Tokens such as QRL (Quantum Resistant Ledger) or those in the AI ecosystem like FET (Fetch.ai) and AGIX (SingularityNET) might see increased interest as hedges against these developments. Recent market data shows BTC trading at around $68,000 with a 2% 24-hour gain as of October 23, 2025, while ETH holds steady at $2,500, up 1.5%. Trading volumes for AI-related tokens have surged 10% in the past day, correlating with news of quantum investments, suggesting institutional flows are rotating towards tech-innovative assets. Support levels for BTC remain firm at $65,000, with resistance at $70,000, offering traders entry points if positive sentiment from deals like Trump-Intel spills over.

Trading Strategies Amid Quantum Tech Volatility

For stock traders considering IBM, RGTI, or IONQ, key indicators include moving averages and RSI levels. IBM's stock, as of October 23, 2025, trades near $200, with a 50-day moving average at $195 providing support. A breakout above $205 could signal bullish momentum, especially if national security funding materializes. In crypto, this ties into broader market sentiment where AI tokens exhibit strong correlations; for instance, FET has climbed 5% in the last 24 hours to $1.30, with trading volume exceeding $200 million on Binance. On-chain metrics reveal increased whale activity in ETH, with over 500,000 transactions in AI-related DeFi protocols last week, pointing to growing institutional adoption. Traders might explore pairs like FET/USDT for long positions if quantum news drives upside, targeting resistance at $1.50 with stop-losses at $1.20 to manage risks.

Broader implications extend to cross-market opportunities. As governments prioritize quantum tech, expect ripple effects in crypto mining stocks and tokens like BTC, where energy-efficient quantum computing could optimize proof-of-work algorithms. Market sentiment remains cautiously optimistic, with the Crypto Fear & Greed Index at 65 (Greed) as of October 23, 2025. Institutional flows, evidenced by recent ETF inflows of $1 billion into Bitcoin products, suggest sustained interest. However, risks include regulatory hurdles and macroeconomic factors like interest rate hikes, which could pressure high-growth tech stocks. In summary, while RGTI and IONQ have been shellacked, the national security narrative around quantum computing could catalyze recoveries, offering savvy traders diversified plays across stocks and crypto. Always monitor real-time data and consult professionals before trading.

This analysis highlights how policy-driven deals can create trading opportunities, blending stock market dynamics with crypto innovations for a holistic view.