Tokyo, Nov. 6 (Jiji Press)–Japanese stocks fell sharply in Tokyo trading on Friday as artificial intelligence-related shares were dumped amid concerns that AI regulations may be tightened in the United States. The benchmark Nikkei 225 index fell 3,643.13 points, or 5.96 pct, to 57,434.77, marking its third-biggest single-day point loss on record and finishing below 60,000 for the first time since May 20. An AI stock sell-off intensified globally after the Democratic Party made major gains in the U.S. midterm elections, raising concerns about tighter regulations on the construction of AI data centers and related facilities. On the Tokyo market, technology investor SoftBank Group retreated 10.83 pct and chipmaker Kioxia slid 8.72 pct. “The collapse of AI-related stocks, which had been driving the market, not only worsened investors’ positions but also dampened market sentiment,” an official at a midsize securities firm said. About 98 pct of stocks listed on the Tokyo Stock Exchange’s Prime top-tier section ended lower as selling also spread to names not related to AI. END [Copyright The Jiji Press, Ltd.]
