TOKYO, Sept. 8 (Xinhua) -- Tokyo stocks ended lower Tuesday, as the rapid appreciation of the Japanese yen prompted concern about the earnings of exporters.
The benchmark Nikkei stock index, the 225-issue Nikkei Stock Average, ended down 1,130.51 points, or 1.70 percent, from Monday at 65,269.33.
The broader Topix index, meanwhile, finished 75.47 points, or 1.83 percent, lower at 4,050.33.
The yen surged to its strongest level against the U.S. dollar since late February in Tokyo trading on Tuesday, temporarily rising into the upper 152-yen range amid speculation that the Bank of Japan will decide on a rate hike at its policy meeting next week.
The yen's rally weighed on stock prices by hurting the overseas profits of major export-driven companies, analysts said. ■