As of 1:50 PM, the Nikkei average is up 1,083 yen. In terms of Nikkei average contribution, companies such as Tohoku Electric <8035>, Advantest <6857>, and First Retail <9983> are among the top contributors, while Recruit HD <6098>, Kao <4452>, and Yamato HD <9064> are among the top negative contributors. In terms of sectors, insurance, electric appliances, marine transportation, securities and commodity futures, and non-ferrous metals are among the top gainers, while air transportation and land transportation are among the top losers.
The Nikkei average is widening its gains. As major companies continue to release earnings reports for the April-June period until early this week, there seems to be a willingness to look for good-performing and good-earning stocks to support stock prices. In addition, it seems that the stable trading of Dow Jones futures in extended hours trading is bringing a sense of security to the Tokyo market. On the other hand, there are many cautionary factors, such as economic indicators including the July US wholesale price index (PPI) to be announced tonight and tensions in the Middle East, as well as warnings about a potential large earthquake, so some remain cautious about chasing higher prices.