Asian shares surged to near-record levels on Tuesday, with Japan's Nikkei 225 hitting an all-time high as investors looked beyond the United States for opportunities, drawn by cheaper valuations and growing optimism about regional earnings prospects. The rally came as concerns over the Federal Reserve's independence weighed on the dollar following an unprecedented criminal investigation announcement by Fed Chair Jerome Powell.The MSCI Asia Pacific Index advanced 0.9% on Tuesday for a second consecutive day of gains, with Asian shares outpacing the S&P 500 year-to-date even as the U.S. benchmark closed at a record high. Japanese stocks led regional gains, with the Nikkei 225 surging 3.4% to a record intraday peak of 53,814.79 after returning from a holiday. Speculation that Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi might dissolve parliament for a snap election in February fueled bullish sentiment in Tokyo.#StrategyBTCPurchase