Nikkei surges over 2%, ends at new high above 51,000 on strong tech issues

The Nikkei stock index jumped more than 2 percent Wednesday to close at a record high above 51,000, led by gains in technology shares after semiconductor testing equipment maker Advantest Corp. raised its earnings outlook.The 225-issue Nikkei Stock Average soared 1,088.47 points, or 2.17 percent, from Tuesday to 51,307.65. The broader Topix index finished 7.63 points, or 0.23 percent, lower at 3,278.24.On the top-tier Prime Market, main gainers were nonferrous metal and electric appliance issues, while pulp and paper and real estate shares were notable decliners.The U.S. dollar weakened to …READ FULL ARTICLE