Overview

• The Nikkei 225 rose 322.15 points to 44,694.65 at Friday’s morning close, marking a second straight day of intraday records.
• Japan’s benchmark had already set a record closing high on Thursday at 44,372.50, finishing above 44,000 for the first time.
• The Dow Jones Industrial Average jumped 617.08 points to 46,108.00 on Thursday, its highest close and the first finish above 46,000.
• U.S. August CPI increased 2.9% year over year, roughly in line with expectations, reinforcing market views that the Federal Reserve may restart rate cuts as soon as next week.
• The dollar traded in the low ¥147s in Tokyo, aiding exporters, and semiconductor shares led gains on the Tokyo market.