The Nikkei average rebounded. It closed the morning session at 39,178.70 yen, up 241.16 yen (+0.62%) from the previous day, with an estimated volume of 0.8 billion shares traded.

On the 8th, the U.S. stock market closed at 42,080.37, up 126.13 points, and the Nasdaq closed at 18,182.92, up 259.02 points. Tensions in the Middle East eased, leading to an initial rise after opening. New York Fed President Williams suggested that the option of a slight interest rate cut could still exist, causing the market to be sold off temporarily. However, high-tech stocks like NVIDIA in semiconductors were bought on dips due to expectations of a soft landing and strong demand for AI, supporting the market and pushing it higher again. The market expanded its gains towards the end and closed higher.

Due to the rise in U.S. stocks and stability in exchange rates, the Tokyo market started trading with a buying bias. The Nikkei average recovered in the 39,000 yen range, then slightly narrowed its gains, but maintained a solid move in positive territory compared to the previous day. Although the Shanghai Composite Index is down over 3% from the previous day, the Hang Seng Index is hovering around the previous day's closing level, showing a lack of direction in the Chinese market. Today's Tokyo market is also looking at the Asian stock markets, including China.

In the Nikkei average constituents, 7&i Holdings surged more than 10% at one point after reports that a Canadian company proposing acquisition raised its price, setting a new year-to-date high. Additionally, following the rise of U.S. NVIDIA, semiconductor stocks like Advantest, Laser Tech, ScreenHD, and Tokyo Electron were bought. Others such as IHI, Kawasaki Heavy Industries, Disco, ZOZO, and Canon also rose.

On the other hand, Nintendo fell after it was revealed that a Saudi government fund sold some of its holdings. Also, due to the drop in oil prices, resource-related stocks like INPEX and Idemitsu Kosan were weak, as well as trading firms like Mitsui & Co., Marubeni, and Mitsubishi Corporation. Sumitomo Chemical, Tokai Carbon, Nippon Steel, and JFE Holdings were lackluster.

In terms of industry sectors, retail trade, services, information and communications, precision instruments, pharmaceuticals, etc., rose, while mining, insurance, electric & gas, iron & steel, and wholesale trade declined.

After the market close today, the House of Representatives will dissolve, and it is expected to formally decide on the schedule for the announcement on the 15th and the voting on the 27th in an extraordinary cabinet meeting. An 80-minute party leader debate is scheduled from 1:00 PM, but as economic measures such as strengthening disaster preparedness and countermeasures against high prices have already been taken since the 4th, Prime Minister Ishiba's statements are unlikely to significantly impact the stock and foreign exchange markets. The afternoon session of the Tokyo market is expected to continue monitoring the movements of Asian markets, including China. With active buying being restrained, there is a possibility that the Nikkei average may fall below the 39,000 yen range.