Nikkei Surges Past 60,000 to Record High on AI and Semiconductor Optimism

by Cha Minyoung

Published 27 Apr.2026 16:24(KST)

Closes Above 60,000 for the First Time

The Nikkei 225, Japan's leading stock market index, reached an all-time high on the 27th. This marks the first time the index has closed above the 60,000 mark.

On the 27th, the Japan Nikkei Index was displayed on an electronic billboard in downtown Tokyo. Photo by Reuters and Yonhap News Agency

On this day, the Nikkei index ended trading at 60,537.36, up 1.38% from the previous session. During intraday trading, it climbed as high as 60,903.95, setting a new record for the highest intraday level as well. The TOPIX index also closed up 0.5% at 3,735.28.

Strong buying in artificial intelligence (AI) and semiconductor stocks drove the index higher, while reports that Iran has made a new negotiation proposal to the United States also boosted investor sentiment, according to Japanese news outlets Jiji Press and Nikkei.