As of 1:50 PM, the Nikkei average is up 444 yen. In terms of Nikkei average contribution, Firstrhythm <9983>, Daiichi Sankyo <4568>, and Chugai Pharmaceutical <4519> are among the top positive contributors, while Laser Tech <6920>, TOHOKU ELEC <8035>, and Nitori HD <9843> are among the top negative contributors. In terms of sectors, marine transportation, mining, insurance, oil & coal products, and securities futures are among the top gainers, while pulp and paper, iron & steel, warehouse transportation-related, chemicals, and textiles & apparels are among the top losers.

The Nikkei average is extending its gain. For the first time in about three months since April 4th, it has recovered 40,000 yen during trading hours. Financial stocks are being targeted due to high interest rates, and it seems that the expectation of export companies' performance being boosted by a continuation of a weak yen and strong dollar is supporting the stock prices of export-related stocks.