[Nikkei Stock Average and TOPIX (Table)]

Nikkei average; 36,596.10; -60.99.

TOPIX; 2,607.35; -13.41.

Summary of the start of the afternoon session

In the afternoon session, the Nikkei average started slightly lower at 36,596.10 yen, down 60.99 yen from the morning close of 36,568.05 yen. During the lunchtime, the Nikkei 225 futures were in a range of 36,580 yen to 36,680 yen. The dollar-yen exchange rate was around 1 dollar = 143.10-20 yen, with the yen slightly stronger and the dollar weaker since around 9 a.m. The Asian market started with a slight increase in the Shanghai Composite Index, but then showed a directionless movement and dropped about 0.1%. Trading in the Hong Kong market has been delayed due to a typhoon warning. There is a possibility of a full-day trading suspension.

In the afternoon session, the Tokyo market started with a slightly buying preference compared to the morning close. The steady performance of the morning Nikkei average at the lower end and the relatively stable movement of the Dow futures in the morning seems to have provided a certain sense of reassurance in the Tokyo market. On the other hand, there is a mood of wanting to assess the employment statistics for August to be announced in the U.S. tonight, so active buying seems to be limited.

In terms of sectors, machinery, electric appliances, and iron & steel have the highest decline rates, while electrical and gas industries, warehousing and transportation related, and precision instruments have the highest increase rates.

In the top trading value in the Tokyo Stock Exchange Prime Market, Rakuten Group <4755>, SMC <6273>, Mitsui E&S <7003>, Keyence <6861>, Daikin <6367>, Hitachi <6501>, Mitsubishi Heavy Industries <7011>, Kawasaki Heavy Industries <7012>, Laser Tech <6920>, and Fujikura <5803> are declining. On the other hand, TEPCO HD <9501>, Shiseido <4911>, Ryohin Keikaku <7453>, Aeon <8267>, Kao <4452>, Sekisui House <1928>, Nitori HD <9843>, Fast Retailing <9983>, Itochu <8001>, and Nintendo <7974> are rising.