The Nikkei average is up 48 yen (as of 13:50). In terms of Nikkei average contribution, First Retail <9983>, Advantest <6857>, Terumo <4543>, among others, are among the top positive contributors, while Tohoku Electric <8035>, Konami Group <9766>, SoftBank Group <9984>, among others, are among the top negative contributors. In sectors, mining, oil & coal products, banking, electric & gas utilities, pulp & paper are top gainers, while marine transportation, transportation equipment, warehousing & transportation-related, chemicals are experiencing declines.

The Nikkei average is trading at a slightly higher level. As it is the weekend, active trading seems to be generally on hold. Within this context, the Nikkei average holding steady at the lower end so far today is providing a sense of security to the market. On the other hand, the slight rise in the yen and fall in the dollar since the morning seems to be weighing on stock prices.