Japanese stocks hit another record Tuesday, building on the previous day's surge following the election of a pro-stimulus advocate to lead the country's ruling party, while gold also pushed to a new high amid the US government shutdown and French political upheaval.

The election of Sanae Takaichi, who is expected to become Japan's prime minister this month, came as a surprise but ramped up optimism that she will embark on a campaign on monetary easing.

That sent the Nikkei 225 soaring almost five percent Monday and hammered the yen as investors began questioning the likelihood that the Bank of Japan will continue its interest rate hikes.

And the index continued its run-up on Tuesday, while the yen held losses.

Takaichi's victory "removes uncertainty about the country's policy direction

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