U.S. Chip Rally Propels Asian Markets: Nikkei Breaks 71,000 Milestone for the First Time

Driven by gains in U.S. semiconductor stocks, Japanese and South Korean markets continued their upward trajectory. The Nikkei 225 closed above the 71,000 mark for the first time in history, ending the session at 71,053.49 points, up 1,151.24 points or 1.65%. The broader TOPIX index also rose 54.95 points (1.37%) to 4,068.18. Meanwhile, South Korea's KOSPI index, bolstered by tech sector strength, climbed 199.60 points or 2.25% to finish at 9,063.84.