Core Viewpoint - SoftBank Group's increasing weight in Japan's stock market index is compelling even skeptical investors to buy the stock, driven by founder Masayoshi Son's bets on artificial intelligence, resulting in a 146% stock price surge since April [1][4]. Group 1: Stock Performance and Market Impact - SoftBank's stock has become one of the best performers in the Topix index, with its weight doubling to 2%, trailing only behind blue-chip stocks like Toyota and Sony [1]. - Since the end of March, SoftBank's market capitalization has increased by 15.9 trillion yen (approximately $110 billion), contributing nearly 10% to the Topix index's market value growth [1]. - The stock is currently trading at a 20% discount to its net asset value, the narrowest gap in recent years, raising speculation about a potential halt in price increases if investment weakens [7]. Group 2: Investor Sentiment and Future Outlook - Investors are increasingly aware that SoftBank's stake in OpenAI will significantly influence its valuation, with OpenAI's substantial spending plans driving up U.S. tech stocks [4]. - Analysts predict that the discount to net asset value will disappear as the Vision Fund's investments improve risk profiles, with expectations for progress in AI chip initiatives [7]. - As some investors continue to adjust their positions to align with benchmarks, SoftBank's stock price momentum may accelerate, creating a self-reinforcing cycle of buying [10].
AI押注助推股价翻番!权重飙升下软银(SFTBY.US)成日股“必选项”