Japanese Stocks Recover on OpenAI Reports

The Nikkei 225 Index ended virtually flat at 69,031 on Friday, recovering most of its earlier losses after reports indicated that OpenAI expects annualized revenue to reach or exceed $70 billion by year-end. The news eased concerns triggered by earlier reports that the company’s annualized revenue was $20 billion below previously indicated levels as of September. Investors remain focused on whether AI-related revenues can justify the sector’s substantial investment spending, particularly as Japanese companies play a key role in the global AI infrastructure buildout. Equities also drew support from easing bond yields and retreating oil prices after President Donald Trump said the US was engaged in “productive discussions” with Iran and would refrain from attacking the country before the midterm elections. However, technology and AI-related stocks remained under pressure, with Kioxia Holdings falling 2.2%, SoftBank Group declining 3.9% and Murata Manufacturing losing 3.6%.