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Asia

Market Chatter: SoftBank Scales Back OpenAI Margin Loan Amid Lender Concerns

SoftBank Group (TYO:9984) has reduced the target size of a margin loan backed by its stake in OpenAI after some lenders raised concerns about valuing the privately held AI company, Bloomberg News reported Friday, citing people familiar with the matter.The Japanese technology investor and its advisers recently discussed raising as little as $6 billion, down from an earlier $10 billion target, the sources reportedly said.Talks with private credit firms, banks and hedge funds remain ongoing, and the final size could still change, the report said, citing the people.Some potential lenders expressed caution over using OpenAI shares as collateral because the company is unlisted and difficult to value. Broader concerns have also emerged over whether heavy AI investment will generate profits quickly enough, according to the report.SoftBank has borrowed heavily to fund aggressive investments in OpenAI as founder Masayoshi Son expands the group's AI strategy. The company secured a $40 billion loan in March and later committed another $30 billion to OpenAI, the report said.(Market Chatter news is derived from conversations with market professionals globally. This information is believed to be from reliable sources but may include rumor and speculation. Accuracy is not guaranteed.)

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Asia

Japan Equities Slide Amid Rising Middle East Tensions

Japanese shares closed lower on Friday as escalating Middle East tensions stoked concerns over energy supplies and weighed on investor sentiment.The Nikkei 225 fell 0.19%, or 120.19 points, to close at 62,713.65.U.S. President Donald Trump warned Iran of stronger military action if it failed to quickly reach a deal, while saying the ceasefire remained in place.Global equities have gained in recent weeks on optimism that AI-related spending will support corporate earnings, while investors also monitored U.S. efforts to ease tensions with Iran in hopes of containing energy prices and sustaining risk appetite.On the domestic front, Japan's real wages rose 1% in March from a year earlier, while nominal wages gained 1.6% and overtime pay increased 1.9%, government data showed Friday.Japan's services sector growth slowed to an 11-month low in April as weaker demand and rising costs pushed companies to raise prices sharply, complicating the Bank of Japan's policy outlook ahead of a possible rate increase.In corporate news, Infroneer (TYO:5076) rose 5% after lowering the conversion price for its 2029 zero-coupon green convertible bonds following approval of a 90 yen-per-share dividend.Mitsubishi UFJ Financial Group (TYO:8306) fell 2% after saying it will partner with Google to develop AI-based retail financial services. Meanwhile, SoftBank Group (TYO:9984) dropped 5% amid plans to develop and manufacture AI servers domestically with support from Nvidia and Foxconn (TPE:2317).

Nikkei 225TPE:2317TYO:5076TYO:8306TYO:9984
Asia

Market Chatter: SoftBank Holds Talks With Nvidia, Foxconn on AI Server Production; Shares Down 5%

SoftBank Group (TYO:9984) is considering developing and manufacturing AI servers domestically, with plans to begin designing and assembling some components by the end of the decade, Nikkei Asia reported Friday.The mobile unit of SoftBank Group is focusing on high-performance AI servers capable of running advanced graphics processing units and may outline the initiative in its medium-term business plan expected as soon as Monday, the report said.SoftBank has started talks with Nvidia and Foxconn (TPE:2317) on server development and production. The company aims to initially assemble externally sourced parts before expanding to end-to-end server manufacturing, according to Nikkei.SoftBank is reportedly also considering establishing a production base at a former Sharp (TYO:6753) plant in Sakai, Osaka, acquired last year.The servers would support the company's data centers and AI-RAN infrastructure, which integrates telecom base stations with AI processing capabilities, according to the report.SoftBank's shares fell 5% in Tokyo trading recently.(Market Chatter news is derived from conversations with market professionals globally. This information is believed to be from reliable sources but may include rumor and speculation. Accuracy is not guaranteed.)

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Asia

Market Chatter: Japan IPO Market Will Stay Subdued as AI Stocks Draw Investors

Japan's IPO market will remain under pressure despite strong debuts from a sake brewer and a pet food maker, as investors continue to favor AI-related stocks, Reuters reported Tuesday.Shares of Umenoyado Brewery (TYO:559A) rose about 75% on their first trading day, while Inuneko-Seikatsu (TYO:556A) gained more than 30% after listing. The gains contrast with broader weakness, with many new listings trading below their offer prices this year, the report said.Investor focus on AI leaders such as SoftBank Group (TYO:9984) and Advantest (TYO:6857) has diverted flows away from smaller, domestically focused IPO candidates. Stricter listing standards from the Tokyo Stock Exchange are also weighing on activity, with companies facing tougher valuation thresholds in coming years, according to the report.The number of IPOs in Tokyo will likely fall about 20% this year from 2025 levels, as retail investors prioritize short-term gains in large-cap technology stocks over new listings, the report said.(Market Chatter news is derived from conversations with market professionals globally. This information is believed to be from reliable sources but may include rumor and speculation. Accuracy is not guaranteed.)

Nikkei 225TYO:556ATYO:559ATYO:6857TYO:9984
Asia

Japan Shares Rise as as Contained March Inflation Dampens Rate Hike Fears

Japanese shares closed nearly 1% higher on Friday after data showed inflation remained contained in March, reinforcing expectations that the Bank of Japan will refrain from raising interest rates next week.The Nikkei 225 rose nearly 1%, or 575.95 points, to close at 59,716.18.Core consumer prices, excluding fresh food, rose 1.8% year on year in March, matching forecasts and accelerating from 1.6% in February. Energy subsidies continued to limit price pressures despite higher fuel costs linked to Middle East tensions.The data showed energy prices fell 5.7%, a smaller drop than the previous month, while nonperishable food inflation eased. A separate core-core gauge, which strips out energy, rose 2.4%.On the corporate front, Shares of Daiichi Sankyo (TYO:4568) fell about 10% after the company delayed its earnings release and five-year plan while reviewing oncology supply plans, even as it raised its full-year profit outlook on foreign exchange gains.Shares of Renesas Electronics (TYO:6723) dropped about 5% despite reporting a 162% jump in first-quarter profit and strong revenue growth, with the company flagging near-term volatility and issuing only a six-month outlook.Shares of SoftBank Group (TYO:9984) rose 2% after a report said its mobile unit plans to convert part of an Osaka plant into a large-scale battery production site to support AI data centers.

Nikkei 225TYO:4568TYO:6723TYO:9984
Asia

Market Chatter: SoftBank Plans to Produce Batteries for AI Data Centers in Osaka Factory

SoftBank Group's (TYO:9984) mobile unit intends to convert part of its Osaka factory into a major production site for large-scale batteries, aiming to power its own AI data centers, Bloomberg News reported on Friday.The company hopes to begin production within five years, though the plans are still private, the news wire said, citing people familiar with the matter.The battery venture, expected to be announced next month by Chief Executive Officer Junichi Miyakawa as part of a new five-year plan, has received Masayoshi Son's approval but still requires board sign-off, the publication said.A SoftBank representative declined to comment on' emailed request for comment.(Market Chatter news is derived from conversations with market professionals globally. This information is believed to be from reliable sources but may include rumor and speculation. Accuracy is not guaranteed.)

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Asia

Market Chatter: Japan Banks Line Up 250 Billion Yen in First Funding for US Projects

The Japan Bank for International Cooperation (JBIC), along with MUFG Bank (TYO:8306), Sumitomo Mitsui Banking (TYO:8316), Mizuho Bank (TYO:8411) are arranging about 250 billion yen for initial U.S. project financing under a bilateral framework, Nikkei reported Friday.Funds will go to three projects worth about $36 billion, including a gas-fired plant in Ohio, an oil facility in Texas and a synthetic diamond site in Georgia, according to the report.JBIC will provide about one-third, with the rest backed by Nippon Export-Import Insurance guarantees. The Ohio project, led by SoftBank Group (TYO:9984), may receive about 220 billion yen first, with lending to expand in stages, the report said.(Market Chatter news is derived from conversations with market professionals globally. This information is believed to be from reliable sources but may include rumor and speculation. Accuracy is not guaranteed.)

Nikkei 225TYO:8306TYO:8316TYO:8411TYO:9984
Asia

SoftBank Group Expands Arm CEO Rene Haas's Role to Lead International Operations

SoftBank Group (TYO:9984) said Rene Haas, CEO of Arm and a member of SoftBank's board, will take on the additional role of CEO of SoftBank Group International (SBGI) starting April 21, according to a statement issued on the same day.In this expanded position, Haas will oversee SBGI, an operating platform managing certain international subsidiaries of SoftBank, and focus on improving coordination across semiconductor and AI companies within the portfolio to boost operational efficiency.He will continue to serve as Arm's CEO and remain on its board of directors.

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Asia

Japan Shares Rise as Policymakers Flag Stability amid Global Uncertainty

Japanese shares closed higher on Thursday, supported by policy reassurance after Finance Minister Satsuki Katayama said she flagged currency volatility and broader market swings to G7 counterparts.The Nikkei 225 rose 2.4%, or 1,384.10 points, to close at 59,518.34.Central banks are largely adopting a wait-and-see stance on policy amid uncertainty over the Middle East conflict and the impact of rate moves on growth, Finance Minister Satsuki Katayama said after a G7 meeting.Bank of Japan Governor Kazuo Ueda also attended, though Katayama did not comment on implications for rate decisions.On the corporate front, SoftBank Group (TYO:9984) jumped 5% after pricing about 516.8 billion yen in dollar and euro senior notes to refinance debt and fund OpenAI-related investments.Toridoll (TYO:3397) fell 1% after saying it will restructure its UK unit via a company voluntary arrangement to cut costs and improve profitability.Daikin Industries (TYO:6367) surged 9% after Elliott flagged undervaluation and pushed for margin gains, higher returns and a review of non-core assets.

Nikkei 225TYO:3397TYO:6367TYO:9984
Asia

SoftBank Raises Multi-Currency Debt for Refinancing, OpenAI Investment

SoftBank Group (TYO:9984) priced multi-tranche dollar and euro senior notes totaling about 516.8 billion yen to refinance debt and support investments tied to OpenAI, according to a Thursday filing on the Tokyo Stock Exchange.The offering includes 238.5 billion yen equivalent in dollar notes due 2029, 2031 and 2036, with coupons ranging from 7.625% to 8.5%.The company also includes about 328.3 billion yen equivalent in euro notes due 2030, 2032 and 2034, carrying interest rates between 6.375% and 7.375%.Proceeds will go toward redeeming existing foreign-currency notes and partly repaying a bridge loan, primarily linked to follow-on investments in OpenAI.

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Asia

SoftBank Group to Issue US Dollar-, Euro-Denominated Bonds Totalling 566.8 Billion Yen

SoftBank Group (TYO:9984) will issue six tranches of foreign currency-denominated senior notes totalling 566.8 billion yen or $3.25 billion to redeem existing foreign currency debt and to partially repay the outstanding amount of the bridge loan related to follow-on investments in OpenAI.The U.S. dollar-denominated bonds amount to 238.5 billion yen or $1.5 billion with maturities in 2029, 2031, and 2036 and interest rates of 7.625%, 8.250% and 8.500%, respectively, according to a filing with the Singapore Exchange on Thursday.The euro-denominated notes amount to 328.3 billion yen or $1.75 billion with maturities in 2030, 2032, and 2034 and respective interest rates of 6.375%, 7.000% and 7.375%.All notes will be issued at 100% of principal, pay interest semi-annually, and allow early redemption 90 days before maturity.The offering is targeted at institutional investors outside Japan and the U.S., with no collateral or guarantee. The notes will be listed on the Singapore Exchange.

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Asia

SoftBank-Backed PayPay To Launch Overseas Payment Service in Taiwan

SoftBank-backed (TYO:9984) PayPay will roll out its overseas payment service in Taiwan from late April, marking its second expansion after South Korea, according to a Tuesday company statement.Users will be able to make payments at about 400,000 locations displaying the TWQR code, including convenience stores and restaurants.The service allows real-time conversion into yen and includes a new exchange rate calculator to improve transparency.PayPay Points will be awarded on purchases, with additional incentives such as a scratch lottery for overseas spending. The company plans promotional tie-ups with major Taiwan convenience store chains and airport transit cards.The app will automatically switch to overseas mode for verified users, while keeping data stored securely in Japan.

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Asia

Japan Approves Additional Funding for Chipmaker Rapidus

Rapidus has secured additional funding from Japan's New Energy and Industrial Technology Development Organization (NEDO) for its fiscal year 2026 plans to accelerate next-generation 2nm logic semiconductor development.The approval covers two projects: front-end process R&D for 2nm integration and short-TAT manufacturing, and back-end development for chiplet, package design, and manufacturing tech, according to a statement on Sunday.The approved funding totalled 631.5 billion yen, according to a Reuters News report, citing Japan's industry ministry.In fiscal year 2025, Rapidus verified Japan's first 2nm GAA transistor on 300mm wafers and prototyped the industry's first organic RDL interposer using a 600mm square panel.With the new budget, Rapidus will now progress toward its target of starting mass production in 2027.Rapidus was established in August 2022 with the support of eight major Japanese companies: Denso(TYO:6902), Kioxia(TYO:285A), MUFG Bank (TYO:8306), NEC(TYO:6701), NTT (TYO:9432), SoftBank(TYO:9984), Sony (TYO:6758), and Toyota (TYO:7203)

TYO:285ATYO:6701TYO:6758TYO:6902TYO:7203TYO:8306TYO:9432TYO:9984
Asia

Market Chatter: SoftBank Introduces AI Company with NEC, Honda, Sony as Investors

SoftBank Group (TYO:9984) has launched a new company focused on developing artificial intelligence in Japan, with investments from NEC (TYO:6701), Honda Motor (TYO:7267), and six other firms, Nikkei Asia reported on Monday.The Japanese government is evaluating potential support for the initiative. The venture aims to create a foundational model for "physical AI" to enable autonomous control of robots and machinery through a collaborative public-private effort, the news daily said.Additional investors include Sony Group (TYO:6758), Mitsubishi UFJ Financial's (TYO:8306) MUFG Bank, Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corp. (TYO:8316), Mizuho Bank (TYO:8411), Nippon Steel (TYO:5401), Kobe Steel (TYO:5406), and AI developer Preferred Networks will also assist in building the model.Softbank Group did not reply to MTNewswire queries at press time.(Market Chatter news is derived from conversations with market professionals globally. This information is believed to be from reliable sources but may include rumor and speculation. Accuracy is not guaranteed.)

TYO:5401TYO:5406TYO:6701TYO:6758TYO:7267TYO:8306TYO:8316TYO:8411TYO:9984
Asia

Market Chatter: Blackstone, Apollo and SoftBank Eye Over 1 Trillion Yen TEPCO Capital Tie-Up

Tokyo Electric Power Co. (TYO:9501) has drawn interest from Blackstone, Apollo Global Management, and SoftBank (TYO:9984) for a planned capital partnership that could involve external funding exceeding 1 trillion yen, according to a Nikkei report on Thursday.Citing people familiar with the discussions, the publication said global private equity firms are viewed as strong contenders to provide such an investment.Proposals were submitted before TEPCO's end-of-March deadline, the news agency added, allowing the utility to begin screening potential partners.The power company intends to spend the coming months refining possible deal structures and narrowing down the candidate list, the report noted.TEPCO has not replied to MTNewswire queries at press time.(Market Chatter news is derived from conversations with market professionals globally. This information is believed to be from reliable sources but may include rumor and speculation. Accuracy is not guaranteed.)

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