Japan's SoftBank Shares Dive Nearly 20% This Week As AI Bubble Jitters Rattle Global Tech Stocks - Global X Artificial Intelligence & Technology ETF (NASDAQ:AIQ), ABB (OTC:ABBNY)

Core Viewpoint - Shares of Japan's SoftBank Group have declined significantly due to valuation concerns surrounding AI-related stocks, leading to a nearly 20% drop in value this week, equating to approximately $51 billion in market capitalization [1][2]. Group 1: Stock Performance - SoftBank's stock fell by 7% on Friday, closing at JPY 21,700 ($141.36) after a previous gain of 2.9% [1]. - The stock has experienced a cumulative decline of nearly 20% this week, reflecting broader market trends affecting AI-related companies [1]. Group 2: Market Sentiment - Concerns about an "AI bubble" have emerged, with some experts likening current valuations of AI companies to the dot-com bubble of the late 1990s [2]. - Despite stronger-than-expected earnings from some high-profile stocks, the market sentiment remains bearish, as evidenced by a 4% decline in the Global X Artificial Intelligence & Technology ETF this week [6]. Group 3: Strategic Moves by SoftBank - SoftBank is actively strengthening its position in the AI sector through investments and acquisitions, including a major stake in OpenAI and the recent $5.4 billion acquisition of ABB's robotics division [3].