Mitsushige Akino Domestic Quotations

Nippon Steel will finish strong in both the third quarter and in the full year. A strong domestic market and weak yen has helped the company achieve positive earnings.

Some investors focused on domestic demand-led sectors, while high-tech firms appeared to be weaker due to lingering worries over the firmer yen.

While taking profits on some issues, retail investors continued to look for bargains among domestic economy-sensitive issues as they remain optimistic about the market's outlook.

The rises in forecasts for steel makers' first-half profit were as expected and positive. As domestic demand will continue to be strong, there is room for further increases in profit.

Investors expect reports this week will show Japan's recovery from deflation and that's driving domestic demand-related stocks higher. The prospects for the steel industry are quite positive, supported by strong demand.

Investors are more confident about buying domestic demand- related shares after the report. The market took higher prices positively as the market's momentum continues to rise.