As of the market close 25 days ago, the number of rising and falling stocks in the Nikkei average was 36 stocks up, 185 stocks down, and 4 stocks unchanged.

The Nikkei average continues to decline, ending the morning session at 38,990.56 yen, down 46.29 yen (-0.12%) from the previous day, with an estimated Volume of 0.9 billion shares.

On the 24th, the US stock market continued to rise. The Dow Jones average closed up 390.08 dollars at 43,297.03 dollars, and the Nasdaq finished up 266.25 points at 20,031.13. There was caution over rising long-term interest rates, leading to mixed performance after the market opened. On the day before the Christmas holiday, the shortened trading session saw technology stocks continue to be bought, boosting the stock market. Anticipation of a Christmas rally from the 24th into the year-end also contributed, expanding gains toward the close.

Following the rise in US stocks, the Tokyo market opened favorably for buys. The Nikkei average started in the 39,100 yen range, but like yesterday, the impact of reduced participants due to the Christmas holiday led to a decrease in gains, briefly dropping below the 39,000 yen level. However, the lack of selling pressure due to thin trading resulted in the Nikkei average consolidating around the 39,000 yen mark. The trading volume on the Main Board during the morning session remained modest at around 1.5 trillion yen.

Among the stocks included in the Nikkei average, some regional bank stocks like Concordia <7186> and Fukuoka <8354>, along with financial stocks such as SOMPO Holdings <8630> and MS&AD <8725>, were sold off. Stocks like Fuji Electric <6504> and Nippon Steel <5631> also fell. Additionally, Yamaha <7951>, Suzuki <7269>, Rakuten <4755>, Keio Railway <9008>, and Tokyu Fudosan Holdings <3289> showed weakness.

On the other hand, Nissan Motor <7201> and Mitsubishi Motors <7211> were bought in response to ongoing discussions regarding a management integration with Honda <7267>. Fuji Electric <5803> rebounded as well. Furthermore, value stocks such as Fast Retailing <9983>, SOFTBANK GROUP CO <9984>, and Advantest <6857> showed strength. Additionally, Kawasaki Heavy Industries <7012>, Taiyo Yuden <6976>, Nippon Steel <5401>, and Alps Alpine <6770> were among those bought.

By sector, Electricity, Gas, Other Products, Insurance, and Banks declined, while only the Iron & Steel and Mining sectors increased.

The top contributor to the decline was Konami Group <9766>, which pushed down the Nikkei average by about 8 yen with one stock. Second place was Daiichi Sankyo <4568>, followed by Kddi Corporation <9433>, Suzuki <7269>, Shin-Etsu Chemical <4063>, NINTENDO CO LTD <7974>, and Toyota Motor <7203>.

On the other hand, the top contributor to the increase was Fast Retailing <9983>, which raised the Nikkei average by approximately 60 yen with one stock. The second place was SOFTBANK GROUP CO <9984>, followed by Advantest <6857>, TDK <6762>, Trend <4704>, Tokyo Electron <8035>, FANUC CORP <6954>, etc.

*As of 11:30

Nikkei Average Stock Price 38990.56 (-46.29)

Number of rising stocks 36 (Contribution +114.78)

Number of declining stocks 185 (Contribution -161.07)

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