Key facts
- Japan's Nikkei 225 index crossed 70,000 for the first time on June 18, 2026.
- The index reached an intraday high of 70,020.68.
- The rally is fueled by strong investor enthusiasm for AI and semiconductor-related companies.
- Japanese technology and chip-equipment manufacturers are benefiting from global AI infrastructure spending.
- The Nikkei has risen over 30,000 points since March 2024.
- The index previously crossed 60,000 less than two months prior to reaching 70,000.
Japan's Nikkei 225 stock index surpassed the 70,000 level for the first time on June 18, 2026, reaching an intraday record high of 70,020.68 before trimming some gains later in the session. This milestone highlights the remarkable pace of the market's advance, coming less than two months after the benchmark first crossed the 60,000 mark.