Japan's key stock indexes close at record highs as Venezuela shock eases

TOKYO - Japan's key stock indexes closed at all-time highs on Tuesday as buying was spurred amid expectations that U.S. companies could gain access to Venezuelan resources following recent developments involving the oil-rich nation.

The 225-issue Nikkei Stock Average ended up 685.28 points, or 1.32 percent, from Monday at 52,518.08, surpassing the previous record set on Oct. 31 last year. The broader Topix index finished 60.92 points, or 1.75 percent, higher at 3,538.44, also marking a record high close.