The Nikkei average is up 871 yen (as of 1:50 PM). In terms of contribution to the Nikkei average, Fast Retailing <9983>, Tokyo Electron <8035>, and Advantest <6857> are among the top positive contributors, while Socionext <6526> and Nichirei <2871> are among the top negative contributors. Sectors with the highest increases in value are marine transportation, nonferrous metals, wholesale trade, precision instruments, and electric appliances, while electric and gas utilities and air transportation are declining.

The Nikkei average is expanding its gains. There is a view that the acceleration of buybacks by short sellers is due to the Nikkei average breaking above the 25-day line, which is in the 38,700 yen range.