Japan's benchmark stock average today broke the record closing high set more than 34 years ago. Japan's Nikkei 225 share index closed at an all-time high, bypassing its previous record set in December 1989. After logging an intraday high of 39,156.97, the index closed up 2.1% to 39,098.68. Japanese shares have logged sharp gains in recent months, helped by strong interest from foreign investors who account for the majority of trading volume on the Tokyo exchange. Year-to-date, the index has gained 16%. Source:Oman News Agency