[Nikkei Stock Average and TOPIX (Table)]

Nikkei Average: 38,685.11, +133.05 points.

TOPIX: 2,696.45, +12.74 points.

Summary of the start of the afternoon session

In the afternoon, the Nikkei Average started slightly below the previous day's close (38,732.41 yen) at 38,685.11 yen, showing a slightly smaller increase. During lunchtime, the Nikkei 225 futures traded in a range of 38,680 yen to 38,810 yen, showing slight weakness and sideways movement. The USD/JPY exchange rate was around 146.40-50 yen per dollar, with the yen slightly stronger and the dollar weaker since around 9 a.m. The Asian market situation saw the Shanghai market closed for the day. The Hang Seng Index in Hong Kong initially traded lower but then turned higher, rising by about 2.1%.

In the afternoon session, the Tokyo market started with some selling pressure compared to the morning session. Concerns about geopolitical risks in the Middle East, along with a desire to assess the September employment statistics from the USA to be released tonight, led some investors to refrain from active buying. However, the solid performance of the Nikkei Average in the morning session seemed to provide a sense of reassurance.

In terms of sectors, mining, oil & coal products, and banking industries are among the top gainers, while marine transportation, transportation equipment, and warehousing & transport-related sectors are among the top losers.

Among the top trading value companies in the TSE Prime Market are: Hokkaido Electric Power <9509>, M3 <2413>, Mercari <4385>, INPEX <1605>, SMC <6273>, TEPCO HD <9501>, SHIFT <3697>, ENEOS <5020>, Mitsubishi UFJ <8306>, Seven & i HD <3382> on the rise. On the other hand, Kawasaki Kisen <9107>, Nippon Yusen <9101>, Mitsui O.S.K. Lines <9104>, Sumitomo Forestry <1911>, Tohoku Electric Power <8035>, Sakura<3778>, Disco <6146>, Shin-Etsu Chemical <4063>, Sojitz <6526>, Toyota <7203> are trading lower.