"Japan's Nikkei Nears Record High as Asian Stocks Edge Higher"

Most Asian stocks edged higher, following a strong lead from Wall Street, with Japan's Nikkei 225 index nearing a record high. Tech stocks were buoyed by increased hype over artificial intelligence development, particularly after OpenAI revealed a new video platform. Chipmaking stocks, including TSMC, saw significant gains. The Nikkei 225 was up 0.8% and trading close to a lifetime peak, while broader Japanese stocks also rose amid expectations of a delay in interest rate hikes by the Bank of Japan. Analysts projected further rallies for Japanese stocks in 2024.