[Nikkei Stock Average and TOPIX (Table)]

Nikkei average; 38,870.71; +265.18.

TOPIX; 2,681.67; +23.89.

Summary of the start of the afternoon session

The afternoon Nikkei average started slightly higher at 38,870.71 yen, up 265.18 yen from the previous day's closing (38,819.51 yen). During the lunchtime break, the Nikkei 225 futures traded in the range of 38,800 yen to 38,970 yen. The dollar-yen exchange rate is around 153.00-10 yen, similar to around 9 a.m. Asia's market conditions show the Shanghai Composite Index moving around the previous day's close, down by about 0.3%, while the Hang Seng Index in Hong Kong is trading in positive territory, rising by about 0.5%.

The Tokyo market in the afternoon session started with a slight buying trend compared to the morning session. The Nikkei average in the morning session recovered after the morning dip and has been showing a solid performance, providing a sense of stability in the market. However, the Dow Jones Futures trading slightly weaker in extended hours is weighing on Tokyo market stock prices.

In the sectors, banking, securities and commodity futures, and insurance industries are among the top gainers, while glass & ceramics products, metal products, and precision instruments are declining.

In the top trading value on the TSE Prime Market, Nippon Express <4612>, Sakura <3778>, M3 <2413>, IHI <7013>, Fujikura <5803>, Kawasaki Heavy Industries <7012>, Nichiden <6988>, Mitsubishi UFJ Financial Group <8306>, Mitsubishi Heavy Industries <7011>, Disco <6146> are performing well. On the other hand, TOTO <5332>, Chugai Pharmaceutical <4519>, Kasumigaseki Capital <3498>, SCREEN HD <7735>, Nintendo Co Ltd <7974>, Nidec Corporation Sponsored ADR <6594>, Honda <7267>, Fast Retailing <9983> are declining.