[Nikkei Stock Average and TOPIX (Table)]

The Nikkei average is 37,205.25 yen, up 825.08 yen.

The TOPIX is 2,622.46, up 57.09.

Summary of the start of the afternoon session

In the afternoon, the Nikkei average started slightly lower than the morning close (37,284.43 yen) at 37,205.25 yen, a gain of 825.08 yen. The Nikkei 225 futures during lunchtime were weakly traded in the range of 36,960 yen to 37,160 yen. The USD/JPY exchange rate was around 1 USD = 143.10-20 yen, slightly weaker yen and stronger dollar compared to around 9 am. In the Asian market, the Shanghai Composite Index has risen by about 0.4% after opening lower in the morning, while the Hang Seng Index started with a slight decline and then turned to a strong upward trend, rising by about 1.3%. The afternoon session of the Tokyo market started with a slight selling pressure compared to the morning close. Although the Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) meeting has passed, tomorrow will see the announcement of the Bank of Japan's monetary policy decision meeting and Governor Kuroda's press conference, so there may be a cautious approach to active buying. On the other hand, the strong performance of Dow Jones futures and the Hang Seng Index seems to be supporting stock prices in the Tokyo market.

All sectors are rising, with insurance, transportation equipment, and marine transportation leading the gains. In the top trading value of the Tokyo Stock Exchange Prime Market, Sanrio <8136>, Mercari <4385>, Recruit HD <6098>, Hitachi <6501>, Toyota <7203>, Tokio Marine <8766>, Laser Tech <6920>, Asics <7936>, IHI <7013>, and Fujikura <5803> are performing well. On the other hand, Mitsubishi Electric <6503> and Nitori HD <9843> are declining.