Mumbai, June 3 -- Japan's Nikkei 225 Index jumped more than 2% on Wednesday, closing above the 68,000 mark for the first time and setting a fresh record high. The rally was powered by strong gains in technology stocks, with optimism around artificial intelligence opportunities outweighing concerns over stalled US-Iran peace talks.

Chipmaking equipment giant Tokyo Electron surged 13.4%, while semiconductor testing equipment maker Advantest rose 5.1%. Other notable performers included Kioxia Holdings (+0.7%), Fujikura (+9.3%), and Furukawa Electric (+4.3%).

Japanese firms are playing a key role in building global AI infrastructure, positioning them to benefit from the sector's rapid expansion. Investor sentiment remained upbeat, focusing ...