I expect technology companies to enjoy a recovery this year. Their potential is being realized with the introduction of products such as new cell phones.

Investors are more sensitive to negative headlines after seeing interest rates and oil prices rise.

Fuji Photo's plan symbolizes an end to the film camera era. The digitalization of the camera industry occurred at much faster pace than I expected. Reorganization will be a painful process for Fuji Photo.

For overseas investors, who bought large volumes of stocks last year, Japanese equities are no longer cheap.

Oil was the biggest concern in terms of U.S. consumer spending.

The highly anticipated first trade went off without a hitch, and that eased investor concerns. The exchange is coping well with orders.