The Nikkei Average is down 421 yen (as of 14:40). In terms of the contribution to the Nikkei Average, companies such as Tokyo Electron <8035>, SoftBank Group <9984>, and Advantest <6857> are among the top contributors to the decline, while companies like Fast Retailing <9983>, Konami <9766>, and M3 <2413> are among the top contributors to the increase. In terms of sectors, machinery, electric appliances, iron & steel, nonferrous metals, and securities commodity futures are among the top decliners, while electric and gas utilities and warehouse transportation-related industries are on the rise.

The Nikkei Average is widening its decline. In the United States, the market is eagerly awaiting the release of the August employment statistics tonight. In addition, a speech by John C. Williams, President of the Federal Reserve Bank of New York, is scheduled.