The Nikkei average is down 434 yen (as of 1:50 PM). In terms of Nikkei average contribution, First Retail <9983>, SoftBank Group <9984>, and Tohoku Electric <8035> are among the top contributors to the decline, while Advantest <6857>, Terumo <4543>, and Fujikura <5803> are among the top positive contributors. In the sector, securities commodity futures, banking, wholesale trade, transportation equipment, and insurance are among the top decliners, while precision instruments, electric and gas industry, and mining are showing increases.

The Nikkei average is experiencing a sluggish recovery. The significant decline in the Hang Seng Index and the ongoing concerns about geopolitical risks in the Middle East continue to weigh on Tokyo market stock prices.