Japan’s Nikkei Breaks Key 50,000 Level Ahead of Trump Meeting

The blue-chip Nikkei 225 Stock Average surpassed the psychologically key level of 50,000 for the first time as investor sentiment was boosted by growth optimism under Japan’s new prime minister and easing US-China frictions.

The gauge gained as much as 2.4% Monday to 50,491.23, with some defense companies and chip-related shares leading the advance, and shipbuilders seeing gains. The country’s first female premier, Sanae Takaichi, who has pledged to bolster national security, is set to meet with US President Donald Trump on Tuesday.