Japan stocks plunge amid nuclear crisis
Japan’s Nikkei stock index nosedived nearly 11% today as the earthquake-shattered country faced an unfolding nuclear crisis after a radiation leak was detected at a crippled power plant and residents were warned to stay indoors. Other Asian markets also tumbled.
The benchmark Nikkei 225 stock average sank a staggering 10.6% – more than 1,000 points – to close at 8,605.15 after hitting a midday low of 8,227.63 points, more than 14% down. The broader Topix, meanwhile, lost 8%.
