OpenAI IPO expectations drive SoftBank stock to record highs

```htmlGolden Ten Data May 25｜SoftBank Group's stock price rose to a historic high on Monday as the market bets that its holdings in OpenAI and SB Energy could bring huge returns if they go public in the future. Since May 20, SoftBank's stock price has surged by 40%, and the company's market value has surpassed 4 trillion yen (252 billion USD). Last week's consecutive two-day surge propelled SoftBank's stock price higher. Previously, there were reports that OpenAI was preparing to submit its IPO application in the coming days. SB Energy, a power infrastructure company, also announced plans to confidentially file for an IPO in the United States. As OpenAI appears to be getting closer to an IPO, market concerns about competitors like Anthropic, Google, and xAI threatening OpenAI's position have eased. Takashi Nakagawa, Senior Analyst at TokaiTokyo Intelligence Laboratory, stated the market is “extremely excited that the long-awaited OpenAI IPO may finally be close to reality.” He said this move would increase the transparency of currently opaque valuations in the artificial intelligence sector. A large portion of SoftBank's investment portfolio consists of AI-driven, unlisted startups.```