TOKYO, April 22 (Xinhua) -- Japan's benchmark Nikkei stock index closed at a record high on Wednesday, boosted by some heavyweight technology shares.
The 225-issue Nikkei Stock Average ended up 236.69 points, or 0.40 percent, from Tuesday at 59,585.86, after briefly setting an intraday high.
The broader Topix index, however, finished 25.39 points, or 0.67 percent, lower at 3,744.99.
On the Prime Market, the main gainers were information and communication and nonferrous metal issues, while textile and apparel and real estate shares were notable decliners.
Stocks opened lower amid uncertainty over the Middle East conflict and peace talks between the United States and Iran. But the Nikkei index soon turned positive, lifted by a handful of heavyweight technology shares, including SoftBank Group.
With the earnings season approaching, analysts said artificial intelligence and semiconductor shares attracted buying as investors had little concern about their business performances. ■
