SoftBank Group Corp. shares fell in Friday trading as investors grew concerned about the capital required to support the artificial intelligence infrastructure boom. Oracle’s warning about its data-center buildout sparked broader concerns about the pace and cost of AI spending. As a significant investor in AI and related technologies, SoftBank is seen as a proxy for sentiment in the sector, leaving its shares sensitive to such concerns.
The market reaction points to greater selectivity among AI investors. Enthusiasm for the technology remains, but Oracle’s comments have raised questions about the profitability of building the infrastructure and the capital it requires. SoftBank’s shares fell even as new AI startups continued to seek high valuations, underscoring a more discerning investment landscape for established players.