[Nikkei Stock Average and TOPIX (Table)]

Nikkei Average: 38776.48, +180.01.

TOPIX: 2738.43, +13.74.

Summary of the start of the afternoon session

During the second half, the Nikkei Average opened trade with an increase of 180.01 yen from the previous trading day, reaching 38,776.48 yen, which has widened from the morning price (38689.22 yen). In addition, the Nikkei 225 futures during lunchtime are in a trending upward phase. In the morning, the Nikkei Average started with a slight decline, then struggled downward and finally made a comeback. While the Asian stocks were mainly down, the Nikkei Average at the start of the afternoon session slightly expanded its gain, which shows the strength of the buying interest on dips.

In the Tokyo Stock Exchange's prime market trading value rankings, Laser Tech <6920>, Softbank Group <9984>, Toyota Motor <7203>, Mitsubishi UFJ <8306>, Sosei Next <6526>, NTT <9432>, Kawasaki Heavy Industries <7012> and others rose, while Disco <6146>, Mitsubishi Heavy Industries <7011>, Renesas <6723>, Mercari <4385> fell. By industry, transportation equipment, pharmaceuticals, and warehouse transportation were the top gainers.