Concern for world economy as Asian markets plunge

A massive sell-off on Wall Street and an escalating global equity crisis sent Asian stocks plunging today, with Japan’s benchmark index in the midst of a gut-wrenching freefall.

The benchmark Nikkei 225 stock average plummeted 974.12 points, or 10.6%, to 8,183.37 at the close of the morning session. The index at one point had lost more than 11%.