Sellers may lead the market lower at the opening.
Gains in U.S. stocks and a halt in the yen's rise are both supportive for the market.
I expect a weaker opening here due to a higher yen and a fall in U.S. stocks, while a halt in recent rises in oil, gold and other commodity prices is a plus.
I expect a dull market here, especially given uncertainty in the Iraq war.
Key U.S. monthly jobs data, due later in the day, a three-day weekend and concerns that the Tokyo market has gone too far too fast are expected to encourage investors to take profits.
Large-cap, low-priced issues are under the spotlight now that long-term bond yields are falling. That made Tokyo Gas's annual yield of 1.3 percent and Tokyo Electric's 2.0 percent yield look relatively attractive,
People are hesitant to trade high-tech issues and are waiting for their earnings results.
Retailers will be in focus after the Seven & I merger news.
Optimism is increasing that the land price report will confirm that Japan is out of deflation and that the economy is recovering.
Steelmakers may see more buying on the back of higher reported profits.
With prices of oil and metals rising higher, shares of commodity producers will benefit.
Expectations of an end to interest raises by the Fed is a supporting factor for exporters.
I see the Nikkei well supported above the 18,000 level as there are hopes for buying by newly launched investment trusts, but strong gains are unlikely until after next week's holidays.
The stock had been gaining in the days leading up to the business plan, but it still doesn't warrant a buy.
After the big losses in the U.S., Japanese stocks look likely to fall ... High-techs in particular have a good chance of being dragged down.
As a series of key economic events is scheduled this week in both Japan and the United States, it's hard to make major moves now.
The broader market will probably struggle to make any headway today. Investors are likely to focus on companies raising dividends and pick up their shares.
The broader market will probably struggle to make any headway today.
The yen finished in the 117-range on Friday. That will be something of a minus for shares of exporters.
A stronger dollar gives investors the confidence to bet on stocks. I'm expecting a broad rally as investors anticipate more gains in stocks next year.
Foreign investors are lowering their weighting of Japanese stocks. Their order placements must be closely watched.
Concerns over rising U.S. rates persist and that may weigh on stocks today.
The Nikkei 225 had shed more than half the gains it added in its previous rally, so it was a good time for investors to hunt for bargains.
After (Wednesday's) sharp declines, the market's downside proved solid due to buying needs on dips.
I'm expecting declines today on the back of the U.S..
Investors were disappointed by the fact that Toyota's upbeat earnings failed to turn market sentiment bullish today.
The focus for investors will be on the U.S. economy and inflation.
The impact on the broader market will be short-lived.
The market will likely test the upside again. We have one domestic stock fund to be launched today and more to come up until early March.
The market will likely open lower. Then it will tread water as there is demand for bargains.
The market was short of upward momentum owing to a dearth of strong fund inflows from overseas investors.
The market's keen to see U.S. labor costs and economic growth figures for signs of a possible interest rate hike,
The market may rebound. Commodities companies and stocks with strong earnings may lead gains.
The market looks set to open weaker after another day of falls on Wall Street.
The market is on a strong footing as more investors return after the holiday week and those who made profits in recent trading are reinvesting their cash into stocks.
The market is expected to stop falling after a recovery in U.S. stocks.
The latest data showing that land prices in Tokyo rose for the first time in 15 years has renewed confidence about Japan getting out of a soft patch. There are structural changes to draw in more money.
