The Nikkei average is up 75 yen (as of 2:40 pm). In terms of the contribution to the Nikkei average, Advantest <6857>, Fanuc <6954>, Daikin <6367>, among others, are among the top positive contributors, while First Retail <9983>, SoftBank Group <9984>, Terumo <4543>, among others, are among the top negative contributors. In terms of sectors, machinery, glass & ceramics products, air transportation, transportation equipment, pulp & paper are among the top gainers, while insurance, banking, fishery & agriculture, precision instruments, and information & communications are among the top decliners.

The Nikkei average is trading at a slightly higher level. In the USA, tonight, the number of new housing sales in August will be announced, and also the auction of 5-year US Treasury notes will take place.