The Nikkei average is up 233 yen (as of 1:50 p.m.). In terms of Nikkei average contribution, Advantest<6857>, Softbank G<9984>, and TDK<8035> are among the top contributors, while Chugai Pharmaceutical<4519>, Shiseido<4911>, and Kao<4452> are among the top negative contributors. In terms of sectors, insurance, banking, marine transportation, mining, and other financial industries have the highest price increases, while electric and gas, food items, nonferrous metals, pulp and paper, and air transportation have the highest price declines.

The Nikkei average is slightly struggling. The view that a weak yen and strong dollar will push up the earnings of export companies is a support factor for the stock price, while attention is also being paid to the PCE price index, which is considered important by the US Federal Reserve Board (FRB), as well as political instability in Europe and caution regarding currency intervention, leading to a lack of aggressive buying.