Japan’s Nikkei Stock Average Tops 40,000 on Chip Industry Surge

(Nikkei Asia) — Japan’s benchmark Nikkei Stock Average crossed the 40,000 mark on Monday, reaching the key milestone after hitting an all-time high for the first time in 34 years in February.

The index opened up 290 points, or 0.73%, from Friday’s close, at 40,201.76. It closed the morning session at 40,226.83. Semiconductor-related stocks such as Tokyo Electron Ltd. and Advantest Corp. led the gain, both rising 3% in morning trade.