Stock market today: Japan’s Nikkei 225 hits new record close, leading Asian shares higher

BANGKOK (AP) — Japan’s benchmark Nikkei 225 surged Thursday to a record close of 40,913.65, leading markets in most of Asia higher.

Shares fell in Chinese markets, while U.S. futures edged higher.

Investors worldwide are keen to see the Federal Reserve cut rates that it has been keeping at two-decade highs to slow growth and tame inflation, and hopes have been reviving that price pressures are easing enough to make that possible.

The Nikkei 225 gained 0.8% to 40,913.65...