On September 14, 2026, shares of SoftBank Group and other AI-related equities experienced a sharp sell-off after OpenAI announced it would delay its initial public offering and joined calls to slow the development of advanced AI models [1][2]. The announcement was accompanied by heightened concerns over AI safety, with Anthropic CEO Dario Amodei and OpenAI CEO Sam Altman both emphasizing the risks posed by increasingly powerful AI technologies. Altman recently described the risk of AI extinction as 'unacceptable' [1], while Amodei published an essay urging the industry to 'slow the pace at which we improve the capabilities of AI models' [2]. This call for caution was echoed by other tech leaders, including SpaceX CEO Elon Musk, who posted support for Amodei's position [2].
SoftBank Group shares plunged 11% in Tokyo following the news, reflecting investor disappointment over OpenAI's IPO delay and increased scrutiny surrounding AI safety [1]. CNBC reported a 10% drop for SoftBank in Japan, indicating a slight discrepancy in the reported figures [2]. The sell-off extended to global chip stocks, with SK Hynix and Samsung Electronics closing down more than 6% and 4% respectively in Asia, and European semiconductor companies such as ASML, Nokia, and Infineon falling more than 4%, 5%, and 6% respectively [2]. Companies tied to data center infrastructure, including Siemens Energy and Schneider Electric, also saw declines [2].
The market reaction was driven by mounting fears that advancements in AI could pose significant risks to society and the global economy, as highlighted by recent statements from industry insiders. Jacob Coxon, a researcher at Anthropic, resigned citing concerns that Anthropic and OpenAI are 'gambling with our lives,' and Anthropic safety researcher Evan Hubinger estimated a greater than 10% chance that AI could 'kill all humans' within the next decade [2]. These comments sparked intense debate and contributed to the negative sentiment across AI stocks.
Market analysts noted that the volatility in the AI sector was fueled by regulatory uncertainty and ethical concerns, prompting investors to reevaluate their positions in AI-related equities [1]. Technical charts showed SoftBank Group breaking below key support levels, with heightened selling pressure and the possibility of further downside if negative sentiment persists [1]. RBC Brewin Dolphin's Zoe Gillespie warned that an industry-wide slowdown in AI development could impact equity performance going forward, as recent market rallies have been based on expectations of AI-driven growth and productivity gains [2].
Traders are advised to monitor stabilization in AI sector headlines and energy prices, as both factors are likely to influence further moves in SoftBank and related tech stocks [1]. Market sentiment remains cautious, and any signs of regulatory clarity or positive AI developments could trigger a rebound [1].
CONCLUSION
The coordinated call by major AI CEOs to slow development, coupled with OpenAI's IPO delay, triggered a broad sell-off in AI and tech stocks globally. Investors are increasingly concerned about regulatory and ethical risks, leading to heightened volatility and a reevaluation of AI-related equities. The market remains cautious, with future performance hinging on regulatory clarity and developments in AI safety.