Japan's Nikkei hits 40,000 level, ends at 6-month high tracking Wall Street rally

Japan's Nikkei surged to a six-month high, closing at 40,150.79, driven by technology stocks mirroring Wall Street's gains. The index recorded its best week since September 2024, climbing 4.6%. Investor sentiment was buoyed by easing Middle East tensions and anticipation of U.S. interest rate cuts. Technology shares led the rally, while defense stocks also rose on expectations of increased spending.