The Nikkei Average is down 369 yen (as of 1:50 PM). In terms of contribution to the Nikkei Average, Advantest <6857>, Tokyo Electron <8035>, and Fast Retailing <9983> are the largest negative contributors, while kddi corporation <9433>, Omron <6645>, and SMC <6273> are among the largest positive contributors. In the sector, nonferrous metals, other products, securities commodity futures, insurance, and electric appliances are among the top decliners, while air transportation, electric and gas utilities, and precision instruments are rising.

The Nikkei Average is trading in a low range. In addition to being the weekend, there is caution regarding the U.S. employment statistics for November to be announced tonight, as well as concerns about the political uncertainty in south korea, which seems to limit aggressive buying.