Nikkei ends above 40,000 as yen falls to new 37-yr low vs. dollar

The Nikkei stock index closed above the 40,000 threshold for the first time in three months, as exporters were boosted by the weaker yen hitting a fresh 37-year low in the upper 161 range versus the U.S. dollar.Stocks were also lifted by insurance and other financial issues as rising Japanese long-term interest rates raised hopes for improved profits, brokers said.The 225-issue Nikkei Stock Average ended up 443.63 points, or 1.12 percent, from Monday at 40,074.69, its highest close since March 29. The broader Topix index gained 32.34 points, or 1.15 percent, to 2,856.62, its highest finish …READ FULL ARTICLE