As of the closing point 24 days ago, the number of rising and falling stocks in the Nikkei Average constituent stocks was 106 rising, 115 falling, and 4 unchanged.

The Nikkei Average fell back, lacking direction in the overseas market shortened trading. The Nikkei Average fell by 105.99 yen (-0.27%) to 39,055.35 yen (estimated Volume 1 billion 10 million shares) and finished morning trading.

On the 23rd, the US stock market continued to rise. The Dow Inc increased by 66.69 dollars to 42,906.95 dollars, and the Nasdaq closed up 192.29 points at 19,764.88. Concerns over the decline in the Consumer Confidence Index led to mixed trading after the opening. The Dow fell as long-term interest rates rose due to a retreat from expectations of rapid rate cuts by the Federal Reserve Board (FRB). The Nasdaq remained firm due to buying in the tech sector expected during the Santa Claus rally, expanding its gains toward the end of the session, lifting the overall market. With participants limited ahead of the Christmas holiday, the Dow also recovered into positive territory before closing.

In response to the rise in the US market, the Tokyo market started with a buying advantage. The Nikkei Average started in positive territory compared to the previous day but slowed after an initial surge and briefly fell below 39,000 yen. Trading was thin as many Western investors entered Christmas holidays, leading to a lack of direction and fluctuations around the 39,000 yen level.

Among the Nikkei Average stocks, Nissan Motor Co, which announced discussions on a management integration with Honda, was sold off. Stocks like Fujikura, Furukawa Electric, and Sumitomo Electric, which are in the wire sector, were also weak. Furthermore, defense-related stocks such as IHI and Japan Steel Works faced selling pressure. Additionally, companies like Renesas Electronics, TDK, and Alps Alpine also experienced selling.

On the other hand, Honda saw a significant increase following the setting of a 1.1 trillion yen Share Buyback acquisition limit, while stocks like SUBARU CORP Unsponsored ADR, Mitsubishi Motors, and MAZDA MOTOR CRP also rose. Additionally, bank stocks like Shizuoka Financial Group, Resona Holdings, Sumitomo Mitsui Banking, and Aozora Bank also increased.

By Global Sectors, Nonferrous Metals, services, Information & Communications, Precision Instruments, and Electric Appliances declined, while Electric & Gas, Transportation Equipment, Marine Transportation, Iron & Steel, and Banks rose.

The top contributor to the decline was ADVANTEST <6857>, which lowered the Nikkei Average by about 28 yen. The second was TDK <6762>, followed by SoftBank Group <9984>, Recruit Holdings <6098>, Fast Retailing <9983>, Terumo <4543>, Kddi Corporation <9433>, etc.

On the other hand, the top contributor to the price increase was Honda <7267>, which raised the Nikkei index by about 34 yen with just one stock. The second place was Shin-Etsu Chemical <4063>, followed by Tokyo Electron <8035>, Chugai Pharmaceutical <4519>, Canon Inc-Spons Adr <7751>, Denso <6902>, Nitori HD <9843>, etc.

*As of 11:30

Nikkei Stock Average 39055.35 (-105.99)

Number of rising stocks 106 (Contribution +93.95)

Number of falling stocks 115 (Contribution -199.94)

Number of unchanged stocks 4

○ 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