Japan's Nikkei slips a second day as AI, chemical shares give up gains
Well, well, well, looks like even the future-proof titans of AI and the foundational pillars of chemistry occasionally remember that gravity exists. After days of soaring on pure algorithmic ecstasy and the promise of endless innovation, Japan's market decided to take a much-needed, if slightly dramatic, breather. It seems that 'profit-taking' is the polite market term for 'investors suddenly realizing their gains are real and want to buy something tangible, like a very expensive coffee maker.'
This two-day slide saw the Nikkei 225 tumble a significant 1.6%, extending previous declines, largely driven by the aforementioned profit-taking in previously high-flying AI stocks. Compounding this domestic recalibration are escalating international concerns, specifically heightened trade tensions with China. Beijing's recent launch of an anti-dumping probe into Japanese chipmaking components has cast a considerable shadow, adding geopolitical uncertainty to an already nervous market.
