5 Worst Performing NASDAQ Stocks So Far in 2026

3. SMX (Security Matters) PLC (NASDAQ:SMX)

Year-to-Date Performance: -99.23%

SMX (Security Matters) PLC (NASDAQ:SMX) is one of the worst performing NASDAQ stocks so far in 2026. On May 7, SMX launched its Digital Material Passport Platform, a system that integrates molecular marking technology to provide physical materials with a verified digital identity. By embedding invisible markers directly into materials, the platform enables end-to-end traceability, allowing companies to verify origin, composition, and recycled content throughout a product’s entire lifecycle.

The platform is designed to replace traditional paper-based documentation with material-linked proof, targeting industries such as plastics, textiles, and metals. This infrastructure supports global supply chain transparency, assisting brands and regulators in authenticating products and verifying environmental compliance claims more reliably.

SMX (Security Matters) PLC (NASDAQ:SMX) began rolling out access to existing partners in April and opened bookings for new clients on May 4. The launch represents a strategic move toward a “proof-based materials economy,” where the physical assets themselves carry the data necessary for authentication, recycling verification, and responsible supply-chain management.

SMX (Security Matters) PLC (NASDAQ:SMX) offers molecular marking and digital traceability technology to create tamper-resistant identities for physical materials. These solutions enable authentication and lifecycle transparency to ensure compliance across global supply chains.