Tokyo stocks plunge on yen's spike, concerns for global economic outlook

Tokyo stocks plunged Friday with the benchmark Nikkei average falling below the 15,000 line for the first time in 16 months, as a swathe of issues were dumped due to the yen's rapid appreciation and on fears for the health of the global economy.

The 225-issue Nikkei Stock Average plunged 760.78 points, or 4.84 percent, from Wednesday to close at 14,952.61.

The broader Topix index of all First Section issues on the Tokyo Stock Exchange, meanwhile, tumbled 68.68 points, or 5.43 percent, to finish at 1,196.28.

All industry categories on the main section ended in negative territory, with marine transport, financial and securities- linked shares comprising notable losers at the close.

The day's turnover was 4,183.3 billion yen (37.09 billion U.S. dollars).

Tokyo markets were closed Thursday for a national holiday. Endit