The Nikkei average is up by 567 yen (as of 2:50 PM). In terms of contributions to the Nikkei average, Advantest <6857>, Fast Retailing <9983>, and Recruit HD <6098> are among the top positive contributors, while 7&i HD <3382>, Shin-Etsu Chemical <4063>, and Konami Group <9766> are among the top negative contributors. In the Sector, services, Oil & Coal Products, electric and gas industries, Electric Appliances, and Precision Instruments are among the top gainers, while Iron & Steel is declining.
The Nikkei average is showing a firm trend at lower levels. Today, the results of the European Central Bank (ECB) Board meeting will be announced in Europe, and ECB President Lagarde will hold a press conference. In the USA, tonight, the November Producer Price Index (PPI) and the weekly new unemployment insurance claim numbers will be released.
