Nikkei ends at record above 62,000, posts biggest single-day point gain

TOKYO - The Nikkei stock index ended at a new record high above the 62,000 line on Thursday, posting its largest-ever single-day point gain of more than 3,300, as hopes for a peace deal between the United States and Iran, along with buying of heavyweight technology shares, lifted the broader market.

"Efforts by the United States and Iran to reach a compromise to end the war appeared to gain momentum on Wednesday," Maki Sawada said, referring to news reports on positive developments in the Middle East conflict.