The Nikkei average is down 173 points (as of 1:50 PM). In terms of contributions to the Nikkei average, SoftBank Group <9984>, Fast Retailing <9983>, and Chugai Pharmaceutical <4519> are among the top negative contributors, while Advantest <6857>, Disco <6146>, and Daiichi Sankyo <4568> are among the top positive contributors. In the Sector, Other Products, Information and Communications, Marine Transportation, Retail Trade, and Services are among the highest in the rate of decline, while Transportation Equipment, Electricity and Gas, Other Financing Business, Securities Commodity Futures, and Mining are among the highest in the rate of increase.
The Nikkei average is in negative territory and showing a sluggish performance. Ahead of the announcement of the results from the US Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) scheduled for early tomorrow Japan time, and the press conference by Federal Reserve Chairman Powell, as well as the announcement of the results from tomorrow's Bank of Japan monetary policy meeting and the press conference by Bank of Japan Governor Ueda, it seems that active buying is being postponed.