Nikkei Average Hits New Record High above 52,000

HEADLINES

Tokyo, Oct. 31 (Jiji Press)–Japan’s benchmark Nikkei 225 stock average hit a new record high for the third straight day on Friday, closing above 52,000 for the first time ever, backed by strong corporate earnings and the yen’s weakening. The Nikkei average finished at 52,411.34, up 1,085.73 points, or 2.11 pct, from Thursday. The broader TOPIX index rose 31.04 points, or 0.94 pct, to 3,331…