Nikkei and Topix close at record levels amid earnings optimism

The Japanese Nikkei and Topix stock indices on the Tokyo Stock Exchange closed the trading session today, Thursday, at their highest levels, with investors seizing on technology issues and exporters on the optimism of achieving strong profits against the backdrop of a weak yen.

The Japanese news agency “Kyodo” reported that the Nikkei index, which includes 225 issues, rose 332.89 points, or 0.82%, compared to yesterday, Wednesday, at 40,913.65 points, exceeding the record recorded on March 22.

In parallel, the broader Topix index closed up 26.29 points, or 0.92%, to reach 2,898.47 points, exceeding its previous highest level on December 18, 1989.

As for the top-tier main market, non-ferrous metals, transportation equipment and banking stocks led the gainers.