The Nikkei average is up 729 yen (as of 14:40). In terms of Nikkei average contribution, First Retail <9983>, Tohoku Electric <8035>, TDK <6762>, etc., are among the top positive contributors, while Nitori HD <9843>, Trend <4704>, Asahi <2502>, etc., are among the top negative contributors. In sectors, machinery, securities and commodity futures, wholesale trade, electric appliances, and other financing businesses are at the top of the price increase ratio, while air transportation is declining.

The Nikkei average is trending in a high range. In the USA tonight, the September Manufacturing Purchasing Managers' Index (PMI) by the Institute for Supply Management (ISM), August Construction Spending, and August Job Openings and Labor Turnover Survey (JOLTS) will be announced. In corporate earnings, Nike will announce its earnings for the period from June to August.