QuantumScape Corp ( QS ) shares surged to a new 52-week high on Monday, riding a wave of optimism in the battery and critical materials sector. Here’s what investors need to know.

• QS stock is showing exceptional strength. Get the scoop here.

What To Know: The rally follows China’s announcement last week of new export licensing requirements for certain rare-earth materials and specific lithium batteries, heightening concerns over global supply chain stability.

This move has intensified the focus on domestic technology, positioning companies like QuantumScape ( QS ), which is developing next-generation solid-state batteries, potentially as a crucial alternative to Chinese dominance.

While broader market tensions were initially high, a weekend social media post from President Donald Trump appeared to soften his stance on tariffs, easing investor fears of a wider trade conflict.

The combination of supply chain anxiety and reduced macroeconomic fears has fueled significant investor interest in American-based battery technology innovators during Monday trading, pushing QuantumScape ( QS ) shares to their highest point in a year.

Benzinga Edge Rankings: Underscoring the stock’s powerful rally, Benzinga Edge rankings assign QuantumScape ( QS ) an exceptional Momentum score of 97.66, with its price trend rated positive across all time horizons.

QS Price Action: QuantumScape shares closed Monday up 15.58% at $16.99, according to Benzinga Pro. The stock is trading near its 52-week high of $17.79.

The stock has significantly surpassed its 50-day ($10.42), 100-day ($8.72) and 200-day ($6.69) moving averages, indicating a robust bullish trend. Immediate support is likely around the recent low of $15.34, while resistance can be observed near the 52-week high of $17.79.

Read Also: OpenAI’s $500 Billion Chip Bet: Is Broadcom The Next AI Winner?

How To Buy QS Stock

By now, you're likely curious about how to participate in the market for QuantumScape ( QS ) — be it to purchase shares or even attempt to bet against the company.

Buying shares is typically done through a brokerage account. You can find a list of possible trading platforms here. Many will allow you to buy “fractional shares,” which allows you to own portions of stock without buying an entire share.

If you're looking to bet against a company, the process is more complex. You'll need access to an options trading platform or a broker who will allow you to “go short” a share of stock by lending you the shares to sell. The process of shorting a stock can be found at this resource. Otherwise, if your broker allows you to trade options, you can either buy a put option or sell a call option at a strike price above where shares are currently trading — either way, it allows you to profit from the share price decline.

Image: Shutterstock