In the afternoon trading on the 4th, the following three points should be noted.

Nikkei average extends gains, buying dominance but cautious about Middle East situation and upcoming US employment statistics making upside heavy.

Dollar-yen is weak, mindful of the heaviness in the upside.

The top contributors to the price increase are First Retail <9983>, followed by Advantest <6857>.

Nikkei average extends gains, buying dominance but cautious about Middle East situation and upcoming US employment statistics making upside heavy.

The Nikkei Average continues to rise, closing the morning session at 38,732.41 yen, up 180.35 yen (+0.9 billion12.46 million shares estimated volume).

On the previous day, the Dow Jones Industrial Average in the U.S. closed at 42,011.59, down 184.93 points, while the Nasdaq finished trading at 17,918.48, down 6.64 points. Concerns deepened over the Middle East situation, but positive economic outlook due to the ISM non-manufacturing business conditions index rising more than expected briefly lifted the market into positive territory. However, President Biden's suggestion of a possible oil facility attack in Iran in retaliation for Israel's actions led to heightened crude oil prices and geopolitical risks, prompting selling, causing a renewed decline. Although Nvidia's semiconductor sector growth supported the Nasdaq, profit-taking selling ahead of employment statistics' release led to a lackluster closing.

The Tokyo stock market today saw a buying trend amid the decline in U.S. stocks. While the major indices in the U.S. fell yesterday, the Philadelphia Semiconductor Index (SOX Index) continued to rise, supporting semiconductor-related stocks in Tokyo. The stability of the yen in the foreign exchange market brought reassurance. However, concerns over geopolitical risks in the Middle East, along with the upcoming U.S. September employment statistics, made some investors cautious, limiting the market's upward momentum.

In individual stocks, bank stocks like Mitsui Sumitomo Bank <8316> and Mizuho <8411> performed well, while companies like M3 <2413>, SoftBank Group <9984>, Sony Group <6758>, Fast Retailing <9983>, Mitsubishi Heavy Industries <7011>, Recruit Holdings <6098>, and Nintendo <7974> saw significant gains. Furthermore, drugstore chain Aoki <3549>, which reported good first-quarter earnings and share buybacks, saw a sharp rise, along with World <3612>, which exceeded its previous profit estimates for the first half.

On the other hand, maritime transportation stocks like Kawasaki Kisen <9107> and Nippon Yusen <9101> struggled amidst the anticipation of increased freight rates due to the end of the U.S. port labor disruptions. Companies like Disco <6146>, Tohoku Electric Power <8035>, Toyota Motor <7203>, Fujikura <5803>, and Itochu <8001> saw declines. Sumitomo Forestry <1911> faced downgrades from U.S. securities firms due to expected lower U.S. interest rates, while Kewpie <2809> saw significant drops despite outperforming consensus estimates for the June-August period. Other companies like Misumi <6279>, Recruit <7874>, and Japan Display <6740> were among the top decliners.

By industry sector, mining, petroleum and coal products, and banking industries saw gains, while only marine transportation, transportation equipment, and warehouse and transportation-related industries experienced declines.

In the afternoon session of the Tokyo market, the lack of buyers is expected to continue, potentially leading to a heavy upper trend in the Nikkei Average. The USD/JPY exchange rate hovering around the 146 yen level is currently providing support for export-related stocks. Although China has entered its large national holiday of the Golden Week, Chinese stocks surged before the holiday due to economic stimulus measures and optimism following rate cuts in the U.S. However, concerns are growing over the tense situation in the Middle East, with Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba set to deliver a policy speech this afternoon. While indicating a continuation of Shinzo Abe's economic and energy policies, it is an area that market participants are watching closely. Moreover, with the U.S. September employment statistics being released today, it is difficult to anticipate strong buying in the afternoon session of the Nikkei Average.

The dollar-yen is weak, aware of the heaviness on the upside.

In the morning of the 4th, in the Tokyo market, the dollar-yen was weak, falling from 146.91 yen to 146.38 yen. With the firm tone of the Nikkei average stock price, yen selling took the lead, and there were moments when the dollar aimed for the 147 yen level. However, the dollar was prevented from further rising by strong selling near a key level and lost momentum.

The trading ranges so far are as follows: the dollar-yen is from 146.38 yen to 146.91 yen, the euro-yen is from 161.47 yen to 162.13 yen, and the euro-dollar is from 1.1028 dollars to 1.1039 dollars.

Check stocks for the afternoon session

Sailor Advertising <2156>, Bee Map <4316> and 6 other stocks hit the daily upper price limit.

*Includes temporary stopper (indicated price)

The top contributors to price increases were First Retail <9983> in first place and Advantest <6857> in second.

Economic indicators and remarks by important people

[Economic indicators]

US weekly initial jobless claims: 0.225 million (forecast: 0.221 million, previous: 0.219 million ← 0.218 million).

US continuing jobless claims: 1.826 million people (forecast: 1.83 million, previous: 1.827 million ← 1.834 million).

US September ISM non-manufacturing business conditions index: 54.9 (forecast: 51.7, August: 51.5).

USA August durable goods orders revised: 0% month-on-month (forecast: 0.0%, preliminary value: 0.0%)

[Important Person's Remarks]

Akazawa, Minister of Economic Revitalization, refrains from commenting on stock and foreign exchange markets

Refrain from commenting on stock and foreign exchange market.

"It is important to communicate with the market about policy intentions."

Not applicable.

14:45 Swiss unemployment rate in September (estimation: 2.4%, August: 2.4%).