[Nikkei Stock Average and TOPIX (Table)]

The Nikkei average is 36,505.47, -327.80.

The TOPIX is 2,568.13, -24.37.

Summary of the start of the afternoon session

In the afternoon, the Nikkei average started at a similar level to the previous day, 36,505.47, -327.80 yen, which is almost the same as the morning session (36,507.10 yen). During lunchtime, the Nikkei 225 futures were trading in a range of 36,230 yen to 36,340 yen. The dollar-yen exchange rate was around 140.80-90 yen, about 50 yen higher and the dollar slightly weaker than around 9:00 am. In the Asian markets, the Shanghai Composite Index has turned slightly down from a slight increase and is down about 0.1%. On the other hand, the Hang Seng Index in Hong Kong started with a slight increase and has risen by about 1.2%.

In the afternoon, the Nikkei average started at a similar level to the morning session. The Dow average futures are showing a firm downside trend in extended hours trading, and the Hang Seng Index in Hong Kong is significantly higher, which is supporting stock prices in the Tokyo market. On the other hand, the strengthening yen and weaker dollar compared to the morning are increasing caution in the Tokyo market.

In terms of sectors, rubber products, insurance industry, and electricity and gas industry are the top decliners, while marine transportation, iron & steel, and mining are on the rise.

In the list of top trading values on the Tokyo Stock Exchange's main board, Sakura <3778>, Canon <7751>, NEC <6701>, Toyota <7203>, Tokyo Marine Holdings <8766>, Takeda Pharmaceutical <4502>, TDK <6762>, Itochu <8001>, Seven & i Holdings <3382>, and Honda <7267> are declining. On the other hand, Kawasaki Heavy Industries <7012>, Disco <6146>, Mitsubishi Heavy Industries <7011>, Sosei Group <6526>, Nippon Yusen <9104>, Advantest <6857>, Fujikura <5803>, Daiichi Sankyo <4568>, Tokyo Electron <8035>, and Fanuc <6954> are rising.