Sony estimated operating profit in the current fiscal year to be at 450 billion yen, 20% higher than a year ago. The better than expected forecast lifted sentiment in trading. Nikkei 225 index increased 0.9% or 133.2 to 14,251. Separately, private sector machinery orders received in March fell 8%. Steel prices paid by Japanese automakers may reach 100,000 yen per ton this year. Sony and Nippon Steel led the gaiers in the Nikkei 225 index and Ebara and Shimizu led the decliners in the index.
Ebara Corp. led decliners in the Nikkei 225 index shares with a drop of 5.03% followed by losses in Shimizu Corp. of 4.42%, in Shinsei Bank Ltd of 4.04%, in Konami Corp. of 3.86%, and Sky Perfect JSAT of 2.76%.
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