[Nikkei Stock Average and TOPIX (Table)]

Nikkei average; 38255.16; +47.13

TOPIX; 2698.93; +18.22

Summary of the start of the afternoon session

The afternoon Nikkei average opened with a slight increase from the previous trading day by 47.13 yen to 38255.16 yen, slightly widening the gain from the morning close (38220.01 yen). The Nikkei 225 futures during lunchtime showed a lack of direction. The morning Nikkei average started slightly higher, then expanded its gains, but quickly lost momentum and turned negative at an early stage. However, it remained firm below the 38,000 yen level, gradually reducing the decline and ending up in positive territory. While most Asian stocks were moving slightly in the positive zone, the Nikkei average at the start of the afternoon session slightly expanded its gains. Amid a lack of new clues, financial stocks continue to be supportive.

In the top trading value on the Tokyo Stock Exchange Prime Market, stocks like Disco <6146>, Fujikura <5803>, Sumitomo Mitsui <8316>, Mitsubishi UFJ <8306>, IHI <7013>, Mizuho <8411>, and Hitachi <6501> are rising, while Laser Tech <6920>, Fast Retailing <9983>, and Shiseido Company, Limited Sponsored ADR <4911> are declining. In terms of industry categories, insurance, banks, and securities commodity futures are among the top gainers.