SoftBank Group surprised markets with a full-year net profit of ¥5tn yen ($31.6bn), quadrupling from a year earlier. The surge stems from its tech-focused Vision Funds, which booked ¥6.99tn in annual investment profit. Meanwhile, memory chipmaker Kioxia is expected to report ¥787bn in operating profit, jumping over 70%, potentially surpassing Toyota as Japan's most profitable manufacturer.

The Iran conflict continues disrupting tech supply chains, particularly affecting helium transport through the Strait of Hormuz. Qatar's disrupted helium production accounts for 33% of global supplies, while Russia has imposed export controls on its 9% share. These shortages impact advanced chip manufacturing, as specialized ISO tanks carrying helium remain stranded in the Middle East.

China's "Big Fund" seeks to lead financing of DeepSeek's fundraising that could value the AI group at $45bn. Meanwhile, Google's Project Suncatcher aims to put AI data centers in space with the first satellite launch planned for next year. These developments highlight intensifying US-China competition across AI, semiconductors, and aerospace.