Japan's Nikkei closes at record high near 70,000 on AI boost

Japan's Nikkei index surged 0.7 percent to close at a record high of 69,902.25, briefly touching 70,125.75 intraday, driven by strong buying in AI-related semiconductor and tech shares such as Lasertec which jumped 13.2 percent. The broader Topix climbed 0.6 percent to 4,013.23. Easing geopolitical tensions from an emerging US-Iran interim deal pulled oil prices lower, while investors awaited comments from new Fed Chair Kevin Warsh on the economic outlook, with the Fed widely expected to keep rates steady.