TOKYO, Sept. 18 (Xinhua) -- Japan's benchmark Nikkei stock index ended above the 45,000 line for the first time on Thursday, as the market remained optimistic about the world's largest economy after the U.S. Federal Reserve lowered its benchmark interest rate.

The 225-issue Nikkei Stock Average ended up 513.05 points, or 1.15 percent, from Wednesday to 45,303.43.

The broader Topix index, meanwhile, finished 13.04 points, or 0.41 percent, higher at 3,158.87.

Stocks advanced on optimism about the U.S. economy after the U.S. central bank signaled the possibility of two more rate cuts by the end of this year amid growing concerns over a slowing labor market.

The benchmark index was also boosted by heavyweight technology and semiconductor-related issues on hopes for further growth in the field of artificial intelligence, analysts said. ■