Nikkei ends above 54,000 for 1st time on aggressive fiscal policy optimism

TOKYO - Tokyo stocks ended at record highs for a second consecutive day on Wednesday, with the Nikkei index surpassing 54,000 amid optimism that a victory for the ruling bloc in a possible snap election would bolster Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi's aggressive fiscal policies.

The 225-issue Nikkei Stock Average advanced 792.07 points, or 1.48 percent, from Tuesday to 54,341.23. The broader Topix index finished 45.27 points, or 1.26 percent, higher at 3,644.16. Both indexes also set new intraday record highs.