Japan’s benchmark Nikkei Stock Average reached the key milestone of 40,000 on Monday, mainly led by gains in semiconductor stocks, which have been boosted by expectation of higher demand for generative artificial intelligence.
The index closed up 198.41 points, or 0.5%, from Friday’s close, at 40,109.23. Semiconductor-related stocks such as equipment makers Tokyo Electron and Advantest led the gain, rising 2.4% and 3.7% respectively.
The Nikkei Stock Average is up 19% since the start of the year after rising 28% in 2023. On Feb. 22, it closed above its previous all-time high set in December 1989.
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