A traditional bit is a light switch: on or off. A qubit is a dimmer, a blend of both — until you look. In relationship-status terms, it’s complicated.
Entangle two qubits and their results stay in sync, even when they are far apart. Einstein called that “spooky action at a distance.” Measure a qubit and it has to pick a side. If Schrödinger’s cat could talk, it would ask to be let out of the box.
Qubit weirdness isn’t just for show. An asset manager reported that a quantum computer improved its bond-trading predictions over classical methods. A breakthrough? Only time will tell.
There’s a race to build quantum computers and it is wide open. Labs are betting on different approaches, from superconducting circuits to trapped ions to photons. Picking the winner is a “maybe.” What if, instead of picking one, you could follow the field?
MarketVector’s BQTUM: A Wide-Open Field
The BlueStar Machine Learning and Quantum Computing Index (BQTUM) brings together quantum and machine learning companies from around the world, all driven by the same need: more computing power. Think of it as a roster for the quantum and machine learning supply chain. The index covers the builders of quantum computers and quantum chips, the makers of materials such as superconductors that many of these machines rely on, the designers of AI chips, and the software firms that analyze large datasets.
BQTUM includes household names and younger specialists, from the US to Taiwan. To make the roster, a company must be liquid enough to trade actively, so the list sticks to names investors can actually buy and sell.
The Numbers
As of 11 November 2026, the index is up 18.85% year to date, 17.74% over one year, and 172.95% over three years (cumulative). Smooth ride? Not even close. MarketVector’s own research calls volatility a defining feature of this theme, and many of these companies are early-stage.
A qubit can be in two states at once. The rest of us don’t get that luxury, and nobody knows yet which state is the right one. Following the field is one way to stay in it.
About the Author(s):
Chiraag Katara is an Index Specialist at MarketVector Indexes™ (“MarketVector”). In his role, Chiraag supports the index operations team in the day-to-day maintenance of index-related solutions. He completed a master's degree in finance at the Frankfurt School of Finance & Management, with a focus on Capital markets. Chiraag has more than three years of experience across internships in finance, investment risk, and tax, working in Germany, Luxembourg and India. Prior to joining MarketVector, he was an Investment Risk Intern at DWS Group, where he gained exposure to risk management in asset management. He also completed an internship at Tata Capital, where he analyzed processing fees against payouts across all operating regions in India to communicate operational profitability to executives, and an internship at a tax consultancy, where he compiled and reviewed tax returns and financial statements to ensure compliance with regulatory standards. He holds a Bachelor of Business Administration in Finance from Christ University, Bangalore.
For informational and advertising purposes only. The views and opinions expressed are those of the authors but not necessarily those of MarketVector Indexes GmbH. Opinions are current as of the publication date and are subject to change with market conditions. Certain statements contained herein may constitute projections, forecasts, and other forward-looking statements that do not reflect actual results. It is not possible to invest directly in an index. Exposure to an asset class represented by an index is available through investable instruments based on that index. MarketVector Indexes GmbH does not sponsor, endorse, sell, promote, or manage any investment fund or other investment vehicle that is offered by third parties and that seeks to provide an investment return based on the performance of any index. The inclusion of a security within an index is not a recommendation by MarketVector Indexes GmbH to buy, sell, or hold such security, nor is it considered to be investment advice.
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