[Nikkei Stock Average and TOPIX (Table)]

The Nikkei average is 36,883.83, down 163.78.

TOPIX is 2,641.45, up 7.96.

Summary of the start of the afternoon session

In the afternoon, the Nikkei average started at 36,883.83 yen, down 163.78 yen compared to the previous day's closing price of 36,917.44 yen, slightly widening its decline. During the lunchtime, the Nikkei 225 futures traded in a range of 36,820 yen to 37,010 yen, with a weak and mixed tone. The USD/JPY rate is around 143.70-80 yen, with a slight weakening of the yen and a strengthening of the dollar since around 9 a.m. The Asian market conditions have been fluctuating, with the Shanghai Composite Index moving back and forth around the previous day's closing price, while the Hang Seng Index in Hong Kong has turned down after an initial rise and fallen by about 0.2%.

In the afternoon session, the Tokyo market started with a slightly bearish tone compared to the morning session. Some market participants are refraining from active buying as they want to assess the U.S. employment statistics for August, which will be announced on the 8th. On the other hand, there is a sense of relief in the Tokyo market as the movement towards a stronger yen and a weaker dollar, which had risen to 143.10-20 yen in the morning, has temporarily subsided.

In terms of sectors, the insurance industry, pharmaceuticals, and precision instruments are among the top decliners, while warehouse transportation, rubber products, and land transportation are among the top gainers.

In the top trading value on the Tokyo Stock Exchange Prime Market, Renesas Electronics, Fast Retailing, Laser-Tech, Tokyo Electron, Colowide, Disco, Advantest, Tokyo Marine, Ryohin Keikaku, and Keyence are declining. On the other hand, Sunwells, NRI, Mitsui E&S, Mitsubishi Shokuhin, IHI, Mercari, Honda, Hitachi, Fujikura, and Sakura are rising.