SoftBank's Market Value Halves as AI Bet Weighs on Borrowing Costs

SoftBank Group's market value has plummeted roughly 50 percent from its June 2026 peak amid investor concerns over escalating borrowing costs tied to its massive artificial intelligence commitments. The Tokyo-based conglomerate's stock dropped 6.7 percent in late October, bringing shares to approximately JPY 4,637 on the Tokyo Stock Exchange, down from an all-time high of roughly JPY 9,300 in early June. The company's market capitalization has shrunk to around JPY 28.2 trillion from over JPY 56 trillion at its peak, reflecting growing doubts about the sustainability of the company's aggressive AI strategy.