[Nikkei Stock Average and TOPIX (Table)]
The Nikkei Average is at 40,232.45, up 626.65 points.
TOPIX is at 2,737.00, up 30.80 points.
[Afternoon Investment Strategy]
The afternoon session in the Tokyo market is expected to be influenced by trends in the Asian markets. While the lunchtime Hang Seng Index and Shanghai Composite Index are slightly negative, a turnaround may be expected, with stocks related to China such as Fanuc <6954> and Shiseido <4911> showing movement. Expectations for an afternoon rally grew as the Nikkei average retraced to the 40,200 yen level before the midday break. Attention will be focused on the movement of Asian stocks.