[Nikkei Stock Average and TOPIX (Table)]

Nikkei average; 37822.43; -320.86.

TOPIX; 2612.36; -23.21.

Summary of the start of the afternoon session

The afternoon Nikkei average started slightly lower than the morning close (37771.79 yen) at 37822.43 yen, with a slightly reduced decline. During lunchtime, the Nikkei 225 futures ranged from 37810 yen to 37910 yen, showing strong consolidation. The dollar-yen exchange rate has been at around 1 dollar = 151.80-90 yen, with a slight weakening of the yen and a high level of the dollar since around 9 a.m. The Asian market conditions show that the Shanghai Composite Index is generally trading slightly higher, up about 0.3%, while the Hang Seng Index in Hong Kong is steadily in positive territory, rising by about 1.0%.

The afternoon session in the Tokyo market started with some buying momentum compared to the morning session. The reassuring performance of Dow futures in extended hours trading is providing a sense of stability in the Tokyo market. However, with the upcoming Lower House election vote count scheduled for the day after tomorrow on the 27th, the active buying remains limited.

In terms of sectors, all industries are experiencing a decline. Leading the decliners are the marine transportation industry, the service industry, and warehouse transport-related sectors. Among the top trading values in the TSE Prime Market, Tokyo Metro <9023>, SHIFT <3697>, Kobe Bussan <3038>, Kawasaki Kisen <9107>, Rakuten <4755>, Mitsui OSK Lines <9104>, Nippon Yusen <9101>, Kasumigaseki Capital <3498>, Recruit Holdings <6098>, and Takeda Pharmaceutical <4502> are declining. On the other hand, Nidec <6594>, Hitachi <6501>, Sakura <3778>, Toshiba <8035> have seen an increase.