As of the close 18 days ago, the number of rising and falling stocks in the Nikkei Average constituent stocks was 116 stocks up, 108 stocks down, and 1 stock unchanged.

The Nikkei average has fallen for four consecutive days, ending the morning trading session at 39,281.06 yen, down by 83.62 yen (-0.21%) compared to the previous day (estimated Volume of 1.1 billion 60 million shares).

On the 17th, the US stock market declined. The Dow average ended down 267.58 dollars at 43,449.90 dollars, and the Nasdaq closed down 64.83 points at 20,109.06. Due to the persistently high long-term interest rates, the market dropped after the opening. Although the retail revenue in November that was announced in the morning exceeded market expectations, and the view that the Federal Reserve (FRB) would lower interest rates at the Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) has not changed, it led to an observation that the pace of interest rate cuts next year may slow down. The uncertainty in monetary policy before the FOMC weighed on the market, with both the Dow and Nasdaq remaining soft throughout the day.

In response to the decline in US stocks, the Tokyo market started with a selling bias. After starting around 39,100 yen, the Nikkei average narrowed its decline and there were even moments of a comeback. With active trading being restrained ahead of the Japan-US central bank meetings, the index movements remained small. The market continues to be in a wait-and-see state.

Among the Nikkei Average constituent stocks, NISSAN MOTOR CO <7201> saw a temporary surge after reports that it would enter discussions for a management integration with Honda <7267>. Meanwhile, Mitsubishi Motors <7211>, of which NISSAN MOTOR CO is the largest shareholder, also rose significantly, while Honda faced a sell-off. This news served as a catalyst for a general rise in automobile-related stocks such as MAZDA MOTOR CRP <7261>, HINO MOTORS <7205>, SUBARU CORP Unsponsored ADR <7270>, Toyota Motor <7203>, and Suzuki <7269>. Additionally, companies like JTEKT <6473> in the auto parts sector were bought up. Other stocks that were bought included DISCO <6146>, TAIYO YUDEN <6976>, and EBARA CORPORATION <6361>.

On the other hand, SOFTBANK GROUP CO <9984>, which was bought yesterday, fell back, and segments related to entertainment such as Sony Group Corp <6758>, NINTENDO CO LTD <7974>, and Bandai Namco HD <7832> also saw declines. In addition, Sumitomo Pharma <4506>, Alps Alpine <6770>, Nitto Denko <6988>, and Casio <6952> also fell.

By sector, Other Products, Information & Communications, Pulp & Paper, Fisheries & Agriculture declined, while Transportation Equipment, Electricity & Gas, Mining, Securities & Commodity Futures, and Petroleum & Coal Products rose.

The top contributor to declines was SOFTBANK GROUP CO <9984>, which pushed the Nikkei Average down by approximately 66 points with 1 stock. In second place was FAST RETAILING <9983>, followed by Sony Group Corp <6758>, Chugai Pharmaceutical <4519>, DAIKIN INDUSTRIES, LTD. Unsponsored ADR <6367>, Nitto Denko <6988>, and Tokyo Electron <8035>, among others.

On the other hand, the top contributor to the price increase was DISCO <6146>, which raised the Nikkei average by about 14 yen with a single stock. The second place goes to Daiichi Sankyo <4568>, followed by TDK <6762>, ADVANTEST <6857>, Toyota <7203>, FANUC CORP <6954>, Shin-Etsu Chemical <4063>, etc.

*As of 11:30

Nikkei Stock Average 39281.06 (-83.62)

Number of stocks that increased in price 116 (contribution +137.33)

Number of stocks that decreased in price 108 (contribution -220.95)

Number of Unchanged Stocks 1

○ Top rising stocks

Code Stock Name Recent Price Change from Previous Day Contribution

○ Top declining stocks

Code Stock Name Recent Price Change from Previous Day Contribution