TOKYO, March 23 (Xinhua) -- Japan's benchmark Nikkei stock index plunged over 4 percent early Monday, after crude oil futures surged amid escalating concerns over a prolonged conflict in the Middle East.
In the first 15 minutes of trading, the 225-issue Nikkei Stock Average fell 2,140.85 points, or 4.01 percent, from Thursday to 51,231.68.
The broader Topix index, meanwhile, was down 128.18 points, or 3.55 percent, at 3,481.22.
Japanese markets were closed on Friday for a public holiday. ■