SoftBank's stock prices have plummeted 10% as global investors fret over lofty tech valuations, putting SoftBank CEO Masayoshi Son's net worth at $58.4 billion - a staggering $13 billion down from its peak last week.
Son, the 68-year-old founder of Japan's biggest tech investment firm, remains Asia's richest person with an estimated fortune of $71.5 billion, largely based on his stake in SoftBank. However, as concerns grow over AI-related companies' growth prospects and valuations, Son's wealth took a hit in Wednesday's global stock sell-off.
Analysts point to the sharp decline in SoftBank's shares as a reflection of shifting sentiment around high-growth tech names, rather than any specific company news. According to Saxo chief investment strategist Charu Chanana, the selloff is linked to investors' worries over some AI-related companies failing to meet lofty growth expectations.
These concerns were amplified after several U.S.-listed tech firms reported lackluster results overnight, including chipmaker Advanced Micro Devices and server manufacturer Super Micro Computer. As markets opened for trading in Asia, SoftBank's benchmark index tumbled by 2.5%, while South Korea's KOSPI index fell by 2.9%.
The situation is particularly sensitive given SoftBank's association with OpenAI, the creator of ChatGPT, which has drawn significant investment from the firm under Son's direction. Analysts like David Gibson at MST Financial note that investors had previously assumed significant upside potential for SoftBank shares, which are still up about 150% this year.
However, investor sentiment appears to be tempered in the short term, with experts warning of a prolonged market adjustment period. Tokio Marine Asset Management International's chief investment officer Hironori Akizawa suggests it may take several months for markets to adjust and that investors should not expect any immediate rebound.
In summary, SoftBank's stock prices have plummeted amid growing concerns over the tech sector's lofty valuations and investor worries about AI-related companies' growth prospects. The decline in SoftBank shares has led to a significant drop in CEO Masayoshi Son's net worth, highlighting the risks involved in the current market environment.
Son, the 68-year-old founder of Japan's biggest tech investment firm, remains Asia's richest person with an estimated fortune of $71.5 billion, largely based on his stake in SoftBank. However, as concerns grow over AI-related companies' growth prospects and valuations, Son's wealth took a hit in Wednesday's global stock sell-off.
Analysts point to the sharp decline in SoftBank's shares as a reflection of shifting sentiment around high-growth tech names, rather than any specific company news. According to Saxo chief investment strategist Charu Chanana, the selloff is linked to investors' worries over some AI-related companies failing to meet lofty growth expectations.
These concerns were amplified after several U.S.-listed tech firms reported lackluster results overnight, including chipmaker Advanced Micro Devices and server manufacturer Super Micro Computer. As markets opened for trading in Asia, SoftBank's benchmark index tumbled by 2.5%, while South Korea's KOSPI index fell by 2.9%.
The situation is particularly sensitive given SoftBank's association with OpenAI, the creator of ChatGPT, which has drawn significant investment from the firm under Son's direction. Analysts like David Gibson at MST Financial note that investors had previously assumed significant upside potential for SoftBank shares, which are still up about 150% this year.
However, investor sentiment appears to be tempered in the short term, with experts warning of a prolonged market adjustment period. Tokio Marine Asset Management International's chief investment officer Hironori Akizawa suggests it may take several months for markets to adjust and that investors should not expect any immediate rebound.
In summary, SoftBank's stock prices have plummeted amid growing concerns over the tech sector's lofty valuations and investor worries about AI-related companies' growth prospects. The decline in SoftBank shares has led to a significant drop in CEO Masayoshi Son's net worth, highlighting the risks involved in the current market environment.