Japan's Nikkei 225 Set to Close at Record High, Surpassing 42,000 Level

Japan’s benchmark Nikkei 225 index rose 1.2% on June 2, 2026, putting it on track to close at an all-time high for the first time since May 2025, fueled by strong corporate earnings and a weaker yen. The index breached the 42,000 mark for the first time, reaching 42,150.38 in afternoon trade, eclipsing its previous record close of 41,580.17. The broader Topix gained 0.9%, led by exporters such as Toyota Motor Corp. and Sony Group Corp., which benefit from the yen’s slide to ¥152 per U.S. dollar. Optimism over robust domestic demand and continued foreign investor inflows have driven the Nikkei’s 18% surge this year. Analysts at Nomura Securities said the market could extend gains if the Bank of Japan maintains its accommodative policy stance at its June 15-16 meeting.