Goldman Sachs Remains Bullish on Japanese AI Sector: Post-Plunge Sell-Off Presents Buying Opportunity. Goldman Sachs stated that the sharp sell-off in Japanese AI-related stocks has created a buying opportunity, and believes that strong earnings prospects could revitalize investor interest in semiconductor stocks. Bruce Kirk, Goldman Sachs' chief Japan equity strategist, said that this correction has lowered the threshold for earnings to impress investors, leaving many AI-related stocks at levels where better-than-expected earnings could have a greater impact on share prices. He stated, "As long as you don't believe there will be a substantial deterioration in the geopolitical situation, current levels seem like a good time to add some positions. We believe the AI story is not over." Kirk expects investor focus to return to fundamentals. "Ultimately, it will all come down to earnings," he said. "Strong earnings at levels much lower than at the end of June should allow investors to refocus on the AI earnings story." However, Kirk expects short-term volatility to continue as investor positions remain crowded. Goldman Sachs' prime brokerage data shows that hedge funds' total and net holdings in Japan are both above 98% of their five-year range, historically high levels.
