The Nikkei average is up 308 yen (as of 2:40 pm). In terms of the Nikkei average contribution, TDK <6762>, SoftBank Group <9984>, Chugai Pharmaceutical <4519>, etc., are among the top contributors in the positive direction, while Daiichi Sankyo <4568>, Toyo Electric <8035>, Nitori Holdings <9843>, etc., are among the top contributors in the negative direction. In terms of sectors, marine transportation, insurance, electric and gas industry, precision instruments, nonferrous metals are among the top gainers, while air transportation, land transportation, pharmaceuticals, service industry, retail trade are among the top losers.

The Nikkei average remains flat. In the USA tonight, the July S&P CoreLogic Case-Shiller Home Price Index and the September Consumer Confidence Index will be released, along with an auction of 2-year US Treasury bonds.