P.M. BRIEFING : Japanese Stocks Break Key Barrier

Tokyo stock prices jumped to a record high today, ending above 35,000 in the key index for the first time although activity was light.

“It was a target, and I’m sure the achievement will be heralded in all the papers tomorrow, but the market will likely take another break now,” said one foreign broker.

The key 225-share Nikkei index rose 273.46 points, or 0.79%, to close at a record 35,084.15, just after hitting a record traded high of 35,086.10.

“Round numbers are often a resistance level, so the Nikkei had trouble breaking 35,000,” said one broker at a foreign securities house.