Nikkei ends above 15,000 for first time since 2007

Nikkei surged over 2 percent to end above the 15,000 mark Wednesday for the first time since December 2007, propelled by a falling yen and buoyant global equities. The 225-issue Nikkei Stock Average ended up 337.61 points, or 2. 29 percent, from Tuesday at 15,096.03, the highest closing level since Dec. 28, 2007 when it ended at 15,307.78. The broader Topix index of all First Section issues on the Tokyo Stock Exchange was up 22.05 points, or 1.79 percent, at 1, 252.85, the highest level since Aug. 29, 2008 when it finished at 1,254.71. Gainers were led by automakers, electric machinery firms and foods, while decliners included consumer finance, construction and real estate developers. The turnover was about 4,470.1 billion yen