[Yoshimasa Maruyama: Nikkei Index May Reach 65,000 Points by Year-End] According to Nikko Securities economist Yoshimasa Maruyama, driven by the momentum of the Japanese stock market and long-term government policies, the Nikkei Index could reach 65,000 points by the end of the year. He predicts it may hit 73,000 points by the end of 2027 and potentially rise to 80,000 points by the end of 2028. However, he warns that if the Middle East conflict escalates and triggers severe supply issues, asset price expectations may be revised downward.