Nikkei Stock Index Ends Above 42,000 Mark for First Time

Tokyo's stock indexes ended at fresh all-time highs on Thursday, with the Nikkei crossing 42,000 for the first time, boosted by buying of Apple Inc. suppliers and other technology issues, as well as optimism about corporate earnings. The 225-issue Nikkei Stock Average ended up 392.03 points, or 0.94 percent, from Wednesday at 42,224.02. The broader Topix index finished 19.97 points, or 0.69 percent, higher at 2,929.17. On the top-tier Prime Market, other gainers included metal product, mining and pharmaceutical issues, in addition to technology stocks. Source: Qatar News Agency