We appreciate the bright news out of the U.S. and we're seeing buyers scoop up the bottom against that backdrop.

But it's not as if a major Japanese firm has come out with a piece of good news on the earnings front.

The reform plans lack necessary details, but support for Koizumi is still wildly high. We sense the market will firm on hopes for him once more -- least until Upper House elections in late July.

Market sentiment is a bit negative now, but I'm a long- term bull when it comes to Japanese stocks. Getting away from zero rates will enable monetary policy to return to normal and shows the economy is finally back on track.

These soldiers were operating and fighting alongside Afghan National Security Forces,

One of the main vulnerabilities of the Afghan Army is their logistics system,