The Nikkei average fell for the fourth consecutive day, closing the morning session at 39,116.79 yen, down 160.60 yen (-0.41%) from the previous day, with an estimated volume of 907 million shares.

The U.S. stock market fell on the 30th. The Dow Jones fell by 91.51 points to 42,141.54, while the Nasdaq closed at 18,607.93, down by 104.82 points. The decline was influenced by the drop in heavy equipment maker Caterpillar's stock, affecting the Dow. Trading opened mixed after the morning session as private sector employment statistics exceeded expectations, and GDP growth for the July-September quarter showed consistent growth despite slowing from the previous quarter, leading to an increase in market sentiment on hopes for a soft landing. However, concerns over rising long-term interest rates and weakness in the semiconductor sector suppressed gains, leading to a downturn towards the end.

Reacting to the drop in U.S. stocks and profit-taking after a 3-day rally, the Tokyo market started with a dominant selling trend. The Nikkei average remained in negative territory throughout the day but with a focus on earnings reports, there was no observable movement that would deteriorate the index. With upcoming events like the Bank of Japan's policy decision meeting and BOJ Governor Kuroda's press conference at 3:30 pm, a cautious mood prevailed.

Among the Nikkei constituent stocks, companies like Kyocera Corporation sponsored ADR, Nomura Research Institute, Hitachi, M3, CyberAgent, Alps Alpine, as well as Renesas Electronics, Screen Holdings, Socionext, and TDK showed declines. In the semiconductor sector, there was general weakness.

On the other hand, Mitsubishi Motors gained significantly due to better-than-expected earnings, while Advantest, which announced a substantial upward revision of its full-year performance outlook and a share buyback plan, also saw buying interest. Despite Dai Nippon Printing lowering its net profit forecast for the current period, the announcement of a sizable 9.62% share buyback helped support its stock. Additionally, companies like Keyence, Nichirei, Shin-Etsu Chemical, Olympus, and Lasertec showed strong performance.

In terms of global sectors, pulp & paper, electric appliances, iron & steel, information & communications, and food products experienced declines, while metals, rubbers, land transportation, precision instruments, and services showed gains.

As of 11:40 am, the outcome of the Bank of Japan's meeting has not been announced yet, but if it maintains the status quo in its monetary policy as expected, the impact on the currency, stock, and bond markets is expected to be limited. The afternoon session in Tokyo is likely to remain subdued with focus shifting to earnings announcements to be released during trading hours. Scheduled earnings releases include companies like Kawata, Sumitomo Riko, NYK Line, KEPCO, Otsuka Holdings, Tokyo Steel, Nippon Steel, Hoya, Eslite, Sanyo, Chugai Ro, Toyota Boshoku, Toyoda Gosei, Sagami Railway, among others.