TOKYO, April 16 (Xinhua) -- Japan's benchmark Nikkei stock index ended at a record high above 59,000 points on Thursday on optimism about peace talks between the United States and Iran.
The 225-issue Nikkei Stock Average ended up 1,384.10 points, or 2.38 percent, from Wednesday at 59,518.34, surpassing the previous record closing high of 58,850.27 marked on Feb. 27.
The broader Topix index, meanwhile, finished 44.13 points, or 1.17 percent, higher at 3,814.46.
Investor sentiment was buoyed by growing optimism following reports that Washington and Tehran were considering extending the ceasefire by two weeks ahead of its expiration, while the market also received a boost from heavyweight technology shares tracking U.S. counterparts. ■
