TOKYO, April 9 (Xinhua) -- Tokyo stocks ended lower on Wednesday with the benchmark Nikkei index plunging nearly 4 percent, amid selloff on fears of a global economic slowdown following the U.S. imposition of additional country-specific tariffs, including on Japan.
The 225-issue Nikkei Stock Average shed 1,298.55 points, or 3.93 percent, from Tuesday to 31,714.03, retreating from the previous day's sharp rebound.
The benchmark Nikkei registered its third-largest point drop in history on Monday but rebounded the next day with its fourth-biggest point gain on record.
The broader Topix index, meanwhile, finished 82.69 points, or 3.40 percent, lower at 2,349.33.
The U.S. dollar tumbled to a six-month low in the upper 144 yen zone in Tokyo as the Japanese currency was sought amid concerns about a global economic slowdown triggered by U.S. tariffs.
The stock market was rattled as losses widened after additional U.S. tariffs, including a 24 percent levy on Japan, took effect shortly after 1 p.m. local time Wednesday, with the Nikkei index briefly losing over 1,700 points, or 5 percent, while yen's appreciation also led to selling of export-related shares, analysts said. ■
