Tokyo stocks close substantially lower as virus fears propel global rout

APD NEWS

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Tokyo stocks closed significantly lower Friday, with the benchmark Nikkei stock index at one point logging the steepest one-day point decline since April 1990, as continued coronavirus concerns propelled a global rout.

The 225-issue Nikkei Stock Average tumbled 1,128.58 points, or 6.08 percent, from Thursday to close the day at 17,431.05, marking its lowest closing level since Nov. 11, 2016.

The broader Topix index of all First Section issues on the Tokyo Stock Exchange, meanwhile, dropped 66.18 points, or 4.98 percent, to end at 1,261.70.

All industry categories closed in negative territory, with mining, real estate and air transportation issues comprising those that declined the most by the close of play.