TOKYO: Tokyo’s key stock index on Thursday chalked up its best close this year, tracking Wall Street’s surge to another fresh record high and as investors eye a key European Central Bank meeting.

The Nikkei 225 rose 1.45pc, or 268.78 points, to end at 18,765.47, while the broader Topix index of all first-section issues gained 1.48pc, or 22.07 points, to 1,512.69.

Shortly before the opening bell, the government said the world’s number three economy expanded 0.3pc on-quarter in July-September, weaker than a 0.5pc initial estimate.

But investors largely ignored the disappointing data, taking a lead from overseas, with the Dow surging to a record for the third straight session, and marking the best day for Wall Street since the November 8 US election.

The rally has been sparked by hopes President-elect Donald Trump and the Republican-led Congress will enact policies that fuel stronger growth and loosen regulation in the world’s biggest economy.

Published in Dawn, December 9th, 2016