TOKYO - The Nikkei stock index surged over 5 percent early Monday, hitting an intraday high above 69,000, as investor sentiment was lifted after both the United States and Iran said they had agreed on a memorandum of understanding to end their war.
At 10 a.m., the 225-issue Nikkei Stock Average rose 3,354.79 points, or 5.08 percent, from Friday to 69,374.83. The broader Topix index was up 144.40 points, or 3.72 percent, at 4,026.36, after also hitting an intraday high.
On the top-tier Prime Market, the main gainers were electric appliance, construction and air transportation issues.
At 10 a.m., the U.S. dollar fetched 160.11-12 yen compared with 160.15-25 yen in New York and 160.27-29 yen in Tokyo at 5 p.m. Friday.
The euro was quoted at $1.1598-1599 and 185.70-71 yen against $1.1560-1570 and 185.28-38 yen in New York and $1.1567-1568 and 185.39-43 yen in Tokyo late Friday afternoon.
