Tokyo shares ended sharply lower on Thursday with its benchmark Nikkei stocks index retreating to a five-week low, as the global selloff of government bonds triggered speculation borrowing costs will rise.

The 225-issue Nikkei Stock Average plunged 239.64 points, or 1. 23 percent, from last Friday to 19,291.99, the lowest close since April 1.

The broader Topix index of all First Section issues on the Tokyo Stock Exchange was down 10.97 points, or 0.69 percent, to 1, 574.64.

Decliners were led by airlines and precision instrument makers.

The turnover was about 2,861.7 billion yen (about 23.96 billion U.S. dollars).

Japanese stocks markets were closed Monday through Wednesday for national holidays. Endi

Go to Forum >>0 Comment(s)