Yesterday was a bad day at the Tokyo Stock Exchange, as a tidal wave of sell orders, prompted by prosecutors' raid of Tokyo internet services firm Livedoor, overwhelmed the bourse's computer systems, forcing it to close 20 minutes early.

At the very least, tomorrow will be a shorter day. In an effort to cut the number of transactions, afternoon trading will start at 1 p.m., 30 minutes later than usual, "for the time being." In addition, should orders exceed 8.5 per day, or transactions four million per day, trading will be halted. Futures trading will be unaffected. Exchange President Taizo Nishimuro said that, if the orders and transaction stay at lower levels, regular trading hours will return.