[Nikkei Stock Average and TOPIX (Table)]

Nikkei average; 38016.73; -635.24

TOPIX; 2667.37; -23.41

Summary of the start of the afternoon session

In the afternoon, the Nikkei average started at almost the same level as the previous close (38013.76 yen) at 38016.73 yen, down 635.24 yen from the previous day. During the lunchtime break, the Nikkei 225 futures traded in a range of 37950 yen to 38070 yen. The USD/JPY rate remained relatively weaker Japanese Yen and stronger Dollar at around 143.90-144.00 yen since around 9:00 AM. The Asian market situation saw the Shanghai Composite Index on holiday. The Hang Seng Index in Hong Kong started to rise significantly, expanding its gains by about 5.9%.

The afternoon session of the Nikkei average started at the same level as the previous close. The stock prices in Tokyo are supported by factors such as the strong performance of Dow Futures that had fallen in the morning but are now maintaining solid support at lower levels, and the substantial increase in the Hang Seng Index in Hong Kong. On the other hand, rising geopolitical risks in the Middle East seem to be dampening investor sentiment.

In the sectors, electric appliances, air transportation, and retail trade are among the top decliners, while mining, oil & coal products, and marine transportation are among the top gainers.

In the top trading volumes on the Tokyo Stock Exchange's main board, Murata Manufacturing<6981>, TDK<6762>, Mitsukoshi Isetan<3099>, Lasertec<6920>, Sony Group<6758>, Sosei Group<6526>, Fast Retailing<9983>, Advantest<6857>, Disco<6146>, and Tohoku Electric Power<8035> experienced declines. On the other hand, INPEX<1605>, ENEOS<5020>, Marubeni<8002>, Mitsui O.S.K. Lines<9104>, Mitsubishi Electric<6503>, Mitsui Chemicals<8031>, Nippon Yusen<9101>, Kawasaki Heavy Industries<7012>, Mitsubishi Corporation<8058>, and Tokyo Electric Power<9501> saw increases.