Japan's Nikkei briefly touches 70,000 as BOJ holds rates steady

Japan's benchmark Nikkei stock index briefly crossed the 70,000 mark for the first time, driven by relief that the Bank of Japan kept its key interest rate unchanged. The index hit the milestone during morning trading before retreating slightly. The BOJ's decision to maintain its ultra-loose monetary policy calmed investor fears of a sudden tightening, which had weighed on markets in recent weeks. Analysts say the move signals the central bank's priority remains supporting economic growth. The Nikkei's surge reflects broad buying across technology and export stocks, with the yen remaining weak against the dollar.