Dreams of a Nikkei Record Still Distant as Virus Limits Euphoria

  • Japan’s blue-chip gauge struggles to challenge new highs
  • Virus surge, vaccinations have led to months-long stagnation
Photographer: Noriko Hayashi/Bloomberg
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When the Nikkei 225 Stock Average rallied to a three-decade high earlier this year, some saw the all-time record finally in sight.

These days, those dreams are looking a little distant as the gauge has lost steam over the past month. Despite a 2.1% gain on Thursday, the blue-chip index still trades nearly 5% below its February high, with many seeing the index stagnant in this same range over the coming months.