[Nikkei Average Stock Price・TOPIX (Table)]

Nikkei Average; 39,514.89; +44.45

TOPIX; 2,744.32; -2.24

[Afternoon Market Overview]

In the afternoon session, the Nikkei Average started trading at 39,514.89 yen, up 44.45 yen compared to the previous business day, slightly narrowing its gains from the previous close (39,533.55 yen). Meanwhile, during lunchtime, the Nikkei 225 Futures showed a slight reduction in gains. In the morning session, buying took precedence, but the upside remained heavy, leading to a range-bound market. While Asian stocks exhibited mixed movements, the Nikkei Average at the start of the afternoon session began with narrowed gains, and subsequently, it has slightly turned negative. This week, there is a cautious sentiment particularly with the FOMC meeting on the 17th-18th and the Bank of Japan's monetary policy meeting scheduled for the 18th-19th.

In the Tokyo Stock Exchange's Main Board market, among the top trading value, Disco <6146>, Fujikura <5803>, Advante <6857>, Socionext <6526>, and Panasonic HD <6752> showed gains, while IHI <7013>, Kawasaki Heavy <7012>, Tokio Marine <8766>, and Sony Group Corp <6758> saw declines. In terms of global sectors, petroleum, coal, insurance, and land transport ranked high for declines.