The company will explore development of technology for Internet banking and invest in the U.S.

Bloomberg news reported today that according to Morgan Stanley prices the risk of Japanese companies defaulting on their debt rose to a record today. The Markit iTraxx Japan Series 8 Index rose by 2 basis points to 56.5 basis points.

Kyodo news also reported today that Nippon Paper Group President Masatomo Nakamura said he will resign after paper and pulp makers said they used less than the required volume of recycled paper in its products since 1992.

Of the Nikkei 225 index shares Shimizu Corporation led advancers with a rise of 8.8% followed by rises in Sumco Corporation of 8.48%, in Fanuc Limited of 8.43%, in Sekusui House of 8.30%, and in Taisei Corporation of 7.96%.

Realty stocks gained on Nikkei news reports that January construction data will show indications for a rebound in housing market. Mitsubishi Estate Company rose 6.99% and Mitsui Fudosan jumped 6.23%.

Exporters advanced after yen weakened to 107.12 from 105.92 yesterday against the dollar. Sony Corporation rose 2.72%, Toyota Motor Corporation soared 3.01% and Honda Motor Corporation climbed 3.87%.

Sharp gained after Goldman Sachs increased its recommendation on the stock to “buy” from “hold” on expectations that the demand for flat display panels will increase.

The company has also agreed to sell 700,000 display panels this year to high–definition TV maker Syntax-Brillian.

J Front Retailing led declining Nikkei 225 stocks with a drop of 5.15% followed by losses in Kao Corporation of 4.97%, in Daiichi Sankyo of 3.94%, in Toyota Tsuho of 3.63%, and in Daiwa Securities Group of 2.93%.

Retail stocks declined after the Bank of Japan said the consumer confidence in the economy had plummeted.

Paper and pulp companies fell after Nippon Paper Group President Masatomo Nakamura said he will resign. Nippon Paper Group shed 2.93%, Hokuetsu slumped 1.93%, and Oji Paper Group declined 1.80%.

The Japan Times reported today All Nippon Airways Company will hike regional airfares by 9% or 2,100 yen on average starting on April 1 to cover rising fuel costs.

Government is considering raising the price of wheat sold to domestic floor millers by 30% from April. Yamazaki Baking fell sharply after the talks of price hike.