Tokyo, January 14 (QNA) – Japanese stocks hit record highs Wednesday, with the Nikkei index surpassing 54,000 points for the first time, fueled by speculation that Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi may soon call for a snap general election.

The Nikkei stock index (225 shares) rose 864.76 points, or 1.61 percent, from Tuesday to close at 54,413.92.

The broader Topix index also climbed 31.40 points, or 0.87 percent, to 3,630.29. (QNA)