TOKYO: The benchmark index at the Tokyo Stock Exchange rose 0.46 percent, or 84.56 points, to 18,283.73 by the break. The Nikkei last closed above 18,200 in May 2000.
The Topix index of all first-section shares climbed 0.60 percent, or 8.84 points, to 1,491.51.
Shortly before Tokyo opened, official data showed that surging exports helped cut Japan’s trade deficit by more than half in January, a day after the central pointed to a stronger export picture as it said the world’s number three economy was on the mend.
In the US, minutes of the Federal Reserve’s January policy meeting showed board members remain cautious about lifting rates too soon, despite a healthy recovery in the world’s number one economy.
While markets still see the central bank raising rates around the middle of the year, the latest news dampened expectations that it will come sooner than later.
“If the Fed delays rate hikes beyond September while the US economy’s not doing badly, it’ll be a boost for stock markets around the world,” said Mitsushige Akino, an executive officer at Ichiyoshi Asset Management.
“The general consensus that the rate hikes will be between June and September hasn’t changed.”
Investors are also keeping a close eye on Greece, which is due to make a formal request for a loan extension from eurozone finance ministers Thursday.
