The Nikkei Average is down 469 yen (as of 14:40). In terms of Nikkei Average contribution, First Retail <9983>, Advantest <6857>, and Tohoku Electric <8035> are among the top negative contributors, while Epson <6724>, Kikkoman <2801>, and Ajinomoto <2802> are among the top positive contributors. In the sectors, construction, machinery, real estate, securities futures, and banking are among the top decliners, while marine transportation, rubber products, mining, electric and gas industry, and food industry are among the top gainers.

The Nikkei Average is somewhat hesitant to decline. In the USA tonight, Verizon Communications and 3M will announce their financial results for the July-September period.