Japan's Nikkei average closes at all-time high after BOJ policy shift

Dovish stance of U.S. Fed encourages investors to buy risk assets

In the last three business days, the Nikkei Stock Average has risen more than 2,000 points, suggesting short-term investors are jumping back into the market. (Photo by Rie Ishii)

YOSHIKAZU IMAHORI, Nikkei staff writer

March 21, 2024 14:23 JST

Updated on March 21, 2024 15:11 JST

TOKYO -- Japan's benchmark Nikkei Stock Average hit an all-time high Thursday, as investors snapped up risk assets following dovish remarks by the U.S. Federal Reserve.

The Nikkei average rose 812.06 points, or 2.03%, to 40,815.66 at the close of the trading session, topping the previous record of 40,109.23 recorded March 4. It climbed to 40,823.32 during the afternoon session, topping the previous intraday high of 40,472.11 recorded March 7.