The Nikkei average is down 33 yen (as of 2:40pm). In terms of Nikkei average contribution, Tokyo Electron <8035>, Advantest <6857>, and SoftBank Group <9984> are ranked high in negative contribution, while First Retailing <9983>, Chugai Pharmaceutical <4519>, and Shin-Etsu Chemical <4063> are ranked high in positive contribution. In terms of sectors, transportation equipment, insurance, electricity and gas, services, and fisheries and forestry are declining, while oil and coal products, metal products, machinery, mining, and banking are rising.

The Nikkei average is slightly moving. Today, Shin-Etsu Chemical <4063>, Screen HD <7735>, and Keyence <6861> are scheduled to announce earnings. In the United States, the June Personal Income and Expenditure (PCE) and the July Consumer Attitudes Index from the University of Michigan (final value) will be announced tonight. The PCE price index of personal consumption expenditures is said to be important to the Federal Reserve and is of high market interest. In terms of corporate earnings, 3M will announce its earnings report for April-June.