TOKYO: Japan’s benchmark Nikkei 225 stock average rose for the third consecutive session to end at an all-time high on Thursday, with buying instigated by the previous day’s advances in U.S. stocks and a weaker yen.

The Nikkei index gained 812.06 points, or 2.03 pct, from Tuesday to finish at 40,815.66, far exceeding its previous record closing high of 40,109.23 marked on March 4. The Tokyo market was closed on Wednesday for a national holiday in Japan.

In Tokyo currency trading, the dollar stood at 150.99-151.00 yen at 3 p.m. Thursday, up from 150.26-26 yen at 5 p.m. Tuesday.

JIJI Press