The Nikkei average is up 325 yen (as of 14:50). In terms of Nikkei average contribution, Advantest <6857>, TDK <6762>, and Tohoku Electric <8035> are among the top positive contributors, while First Retail <9983>, Softbank Group <9984>, Shiseido Company, Limited Sponsored ADR <4911>, among others, are among the top negative contributors. All industries are rising in the sector. Insurance, nonferrous metals, banking, security futures, and transportation equipment are among the top gainers.

The Nikkei average is moving steadily in the high range. In the USA tonight, the October US construction spending and the November US Institute for Supply Management (ISM) Manufacturing Purchasing Managers' Index will be announced. Also, early tomorrow morning Japan time, there are planned speeches by Waller, a member of the US Federal Reserve Board (FRB), and a discussion with Williams, President of the New York Federal Reserve Bank.