TOKYO, April 2 (Xinhua) -- Tokyo stocks ended sharply lower on Thursday, with the benchmark Nikkei stock index losing over 2 percent, as a sell-off was prompted on concerns that the Middle East crisis would be prolonged.
The 225-issue Nikkei Stock Average ended down 1,276.41 points, or 2.38 percent, from Wednesday at 52,463.27.
The broader Topix index, meanwhile, finished 59.23 points, or 1.61 percent, lower at 3,611.67.
Shares opened higher in early morning trading, tracking overnight gains on Wall Street. However, stocks turned lower after U.S. President Donald Trump's speech, which implied the possibility of further strikes on Iran, prompted selling amid concern that the conflict would drag on, analysts said. ■