Nikkei index jumps 3%, ends at new high as Takaichi certain to be Japan PM

The Nikkei stock index surged over 3 percent to end at an all-time high on Monday, with a coalition agreement making ruling Liberal Democratic Party head Sanae Takaichi certain to become Japan's new prime minister, ending days of political uncertainty.The 225-issue Nikkei Stock Average ended up 1,603.35 points, or 3.37 percent, from Friday at 49,185.50. The broader Topix index finished 78.01 points, or 2.46 percent, higher at 3,248.45.On the top-tier Prime Market, gainers were led by bank, information and communication and rubber product issues.The U.S. dollar briefly rose to the lower 151 …READ FULL ARTICLE