**Japan’s Nikkei Stock Average Sets New Record High, Surpassing 30,000 for First Time in Over 3 Decades**
* TOKYO, Feb. 16 (Reuters) – Japan’s Nikkei share average closed at a fresh record high on Wednesday, surpassing the 30,000 level for the first time in more than three decades, as upbeat earnings and economic recovery hopes boosted sentiment.
* The Nikkei index gained 1.61% to 30,084.23, its highest close since Dec. 30, 1989, and extending its winning streak to a fifth straight session.
* The broader Topix index also rose, gaining 1.22% to 2,093.04, its highest close since Aug. 7, 2015.
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