Nikkei Falls as AI Safety Concerns Hit Chip Stocks

Japan’s main Nikkei stock index fell on Monday.

Technology and chip companies were among the biggest losers.

Investors became worried after AI leaders called for more safety checks and slower development of advanced AI.

SoftBank Group, which invests in technology companies, fell sharply.

Some other Japanese companies gained, so the broader Topix index rose slightly.

Investors were also waiting for decisions from the Federal Reserve and Bank of Japan.

Higher oil prices and tensions involving the Middle East added to market worries.

Analysts said the AI warnings could hurt spending and earnings expectations across the AI industry.

However, some leaders and officials have questioned whether AI development will actually slow because competition remains intense.