AI Spending Fuels Japan's Tech Rally as SBI Plans $200 Million Fund
Japan's technology and semiconductor stocks saw significant gains due to increased spending on AI infrastructure. The Nikkei 225 advanced 0.46% and the Topix gained 0.51%. Advantest, Lasertec, SoftBank Group, and Murata Manufacturing led the gains.
SBI Funds Management is planning a $200 million technology-focused alternative investment fund, which will make investments in private tech firms once regulatory clearance is obtained.
Contrary to popular belief, cost controls rather than AI are driving the slowdown in graduate hiring. Chief financial officers are prioritizing spending discipline amid economic uncertainty.
US President Donald Trump reported over $1.4 billion in income from family-linked crypto ventures in 2025, with World Liberty Financial generating nearly $800 million and Trump meme coin sales contributing another $635 million.
AMD is developing its Helios rack-scale AI platform using MI450-series and Venice processors as it challenges NVIDIA's dominance in the market. AMD has also partnered with Anthropic and planned an investment of up to $5 billion.