The Nikkei average is up 154 yen (as of 2:40 pm). In terms of Nikkei average contribution, SoftBank Group <9984>, TDK <6762>, Disco <6146>, and others are among the top contributors, while Fast Retailing <9983>, Daiichi Sankyo <4568>, Shin-Etsu Chemical <4063>, and others are among the top negative contributors. In terms of sectors, marine transportation, real estate, construction, wholesale trade, and oil & coal products are among the top gainers, while pharmaceutical, banking, transportation equipment, and insurance are declining.

The Nikkei average is moving steadily. Today, Bank of Japan Governor Ueda is scheduled to hold a press conference. In the United States, the May U.S. import/export price index and June University of Michigan consumer sentiment index (preliminary value) will be released tonight.