The Nikkei average is up 220 yen (as of 14:40). In terms of Nikkei average contribution, First Retail <9983>, Advantest <6857>, Toshiba <8035> and others are among the top positive contributors, while SoftBank Group <9984>, KDDI Corporation <9433>, Shin-Etsu Chemical <4063>, and others are among the top negative contributors. In terms of sectors, banks, retail trade, insurance, nonferrous metals, and marine transportation are among the top gainers, while real estate, land transportation, construction, rubber products, and food products are among the top losers.

The Nikkei average is showing a firm tone on the downside. In the United States, tonight, the September Producer Price Index (PPI) and the October University of Michigan's Consumer Attitudes Index (preliminary value) will be announced. Also, in the early hours of tomorrow, Japan time, a speech by Bowman, a Federal Reserve Board (FRB) board member, is scheduled. In terms of corporate earnings, JP Morgan Chase will announce its July-September quarter results.