Nikkei 225 surges above 41k after Nasdaq 100 sets new record close

Last night the Nasdaq 100 again led the US stock markets higher and set a new all time high and new record daily close, but more on that in a minute. The US gains have (Ex Dow Jones) have boosted stocks in Japan today and the Nikkei 225 is the standout performer in Asia this morning, rising by more than 2%. The Japanese benchmark has surged above 41k again and risen to a new all time high, so far at above 41,700. That has surged past the previous record high by more than 600 points and in the process it has floated a few other boats too. The surge in the Nikkei has also helped to push the Yen lower and taken the USD/JPY above 161 again. The BOJ and the MOF will surely appreciate the stock market gains, at the same time as not liking much the impact that has had on the currency.