The Nikkei 225 index in Japan has broken through the 70,000 level for the first time, while the yen has weakened following the Bank of Japan's decision to suspend the reduction of its government bond purchases starting from April 2027.

The central bank also raised its policy interest rate, with these moves having been widely anticipated by the market.

The Nikkei index recovered from earlier losses, climbing as much as 1.0% to reach an all-time intraday high of 70,020.68 points.

After the Bank of Japan's announcement, the US dollar strengthened against the yen, rising from 160.11 yen to 160.22 yen.

Investors are now turning their attention to a press conference scheduled for later on Tuesday by Deputy Governor Uchida Shinichi.