Tokyo stocks tumble in early trade as yen's rise sours mood, hammers exporters

Tokyo stocks tumbled from the opening bell on Monday, with the Nikkei down more than 4 percent at one point, as the yen's appreciation against the U.S. dollar after the central bank here opted to hold pat on further easing saw export-linked issues battered.

As of 9:15 a.m., the 225-issue Nikkei Stock Average plunged 653.64 points, or 3.92 percent, from Thursday to 16,012.41.

The broader Topix index of all First Section issues on the Tokyo Stock Exchange, meanwhile, tumbled 49.28 points, or 3.68 percent, to 1,291.27.

All industry categories on the main section fell into negative territory, with notable early decliners comprising electric appliances, glass and ceramic products and insurance-linked stocks.

Markets here were closed Friday for a national holiday.