Despite dipping into the red around 10 A.M. JST after gapping up, the Nikkei ended the morning session more than 50 points higher, as TOPIX 1 advancers outnumbered decliners about 2:1. A weaker yen helped as the US$ was up about Y0.50, or 0.4% to the Y114.55-60 level. Monday trading in the U.S. was volatile but positive at market close. Apple’s earnings and after-hours surge provided a boost to sentiment. The N225 has almost doubled its gains at the beginning of afternoon trading.