Nikkei stock index ends above 53,000 for 1st time, on election speculation

TOKYO - Japan's key stock indexes closed at record highs on Tuesday, with the Nikkei topping 53,000 for the first time, amid growing speculation that Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi could dissolve the House of Representatives next week for a general election.

Growing concerns over Japan's fiscal health fueled selling of the yen and government bonds after a report that Takaichi, known as a fiscal dove, told a senior ruling party official of her intention to dissolve the lower house.