Nikkei stock index ends at record high for 2nd straight day

The Nikkei stock index closed above the 43,000 line to mark an all-time high for a second consecutive day on Wednesday, boosted by optimism about the U.S. economy amid speculation about an earlier than expected interest rate cut by the Federal Reserve.The 225-issue Nikkei Stock Average gained 556.50 points, or 1.30 percent, from Tuesday at 43,274.67. The broader Topix index rose 25.54 points, or 0.83 percent, to 3,091.91, also closing at a record high.On the top-tier Prime Market, notable gainers were air transportation, nonferrous metal and service issues.The U.S. dollar briefly strengthen…READ FULL ARTICLE