Google’s Willow quantum chip achieved a milestone by performing a computation in under five minutes, which would take a supercomputer ten trillion years. Google acknowledges that the Random Circuit Sampling benchmark lacks real-world applications but claims the chip's ability to handle quantum errors represents a breakthrough.

Alphabet shares soared on quantum computing breakthrough with its Willow chip, gaining 6.3%. Analysts see long-term potential despite hurdles ahead.

The stock jumped a day after the company unveiled its Willow chip, and as one Wall Street analyst named it a top stock pick heading into 2025.