Japan's Nikkei stock index hits record high above 54,000 yen

Japan's Nikkei 225 stock index reached a new intraday record, briefly surpassing 54,000 yen for the first time. The index closed at a record high for the second consecutive day, with gains partly fueled by speculation about a possible dissolution of Japan's lower house of parliament. The broader Asian stock market also saw gains, while the yen remained weak and raised concerns about potential currency intervention.