Japan Stocks May Drop on U.S. Earnings, Election Concern; Komatsu May Fall

(Bloomberg) -- Japanese shares may decline, paced by
companies that rely on the U.S. market, after Caterpillar Inc.
said its profit dropped on lower North American sales. Exporters
such as Honda Motor Co. and Komatsu Ltd. may fall.

Investors may also refrain from betting heavily on stocks
before the Upper House election, which will be held on July 29.
The Nikkei newspaper reported yesterday Japan's ruling coalition
may lose its majority in the election, citing its own poll.


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Japanese Stocks Rise on Earnings Expectations; JFE Jumps, Automakers Gain

(Bloomberg) -- Japanese shares advanced, with
steelmakers climbing for a fifth day on speculation they will
report better earnings for the quarter ended June.

Technology companies including Canon Inc. and Toshiba Corp.
advanced as well on expectations their profits will exceed
forecasts. They also gained after earnings from U.S. companies
continued to beat estimates, boosting confidence global growth
will enable domestic businesses to do the same.


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Japan Stocks Gain on Stronger-Than-Expected U.S. Growth; Kobe Steel Surges

(Bloomberg) -- Japanese shares advanced after
reports showed employment and manufacturing growth in the U.S.,
Japan's largest overseas market, expanded more than expected.

Toyota Motor Corp., the world's No. 1 carmaker by market
value, added 1.2 percent. Kobe Steel Ltd. jumped 6.1 percent
after the Nikkei newspaper reported the company is expanding
output of aluminum auto parts as demand increases.


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Japan Stocks Gain on Stronger-Than-Expected U.S. Growth; Shipowners Surge

(Bloomberg) -- Japanese shares advanced after
reports showed employment and manufacturing growth in the U.S.,
Japan's largest overseas market, expanded more than expected.

Sony Corp., the world's biggest video-game player, and
Honda Motor Co., which made more than half of its sales in North
America, led gains.


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