[NYDow・NASDAQ・CME (Table)]

NYDOW; 42,906.95; +66.69

Nasdaq; 19,764.88; +192.29

CME225; 39,305; +115 (compared to Osaka)

[NY Market Data]

On the 23rd, the NY market continued to rise. The Dow Jones average closed up $66.69 at $42,906.95, and the Nasdaq finished up 192.29 points at 19,764.88. Caution was taken regarding the deterioration of consumer confidence index, leading to mixed results after the opening. Following a decline in expectations for rapid interest rate cuts by the Federal Reserve, long-term interest rates increased, causing a continued decline in the Dow. The Nasdaq remained firm due to buying in high tech, anticipating a Santa Claus rally, and expanded its gains towards the end of the session, lifting the overall market. With limited participation ahead of the Christmas holiday, the Dow also recovered into positive territory by the end. By sector, Semiconductors and related manufacturing, as well as Property Service and development, saw gains, while food and consumer staples retail experienced slight declines. The clearing price of Chicago Nikkei 225 Futures was up 115 yen compared to the Osaka daytime at 39,305 yen. In the ADR market, relative to the Tokyo Stock Exchange (at a conversion rate of 1 dollar to 157.16 yen), Honda Motor Co. Ltd., Japan Post Holdings Co., Toyota Industries Corporation, Tokyo Electron Ltd., Advantest Corporation, Disco Corporation, and Hitachi Ltd Sponsored ADR all experienced increases, resulting in a generally favorable buying environment.