Japan's benchmark Nikkei ends above 54,000 for 1st time

TOKYO, Jan. 14 (Xinhua) -- Japan's benchmark Nikkei stock index ended above 54,000 for the first time on Wednesday amid speculation that Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi could dissolve the House of Representatives next week for a snap election.

The 225-issue Nikkei Stock Average advanced 792.07 points, or 1.48 percent, from Tuesday to 54,341.23. The broader Topix index finished 45.27 points, or 1.26 percent, higher