The Nikkei stock index tumbled by more than 2 percent Tuesday as investors remained jittery over China's economic outlook, extending its New Year losing streak to a record sixth day.
The 225-issue Nikkei Stock Average ended down 479 points, or 2.71 percent, from Friday at 17,218.96, a roughly three-month low. Tokyo markets were closed Monday for a public holiday. The broader Topix index of all First Section issues on the Tokyo Stock Exchange finished 45.37 points, or 3.13 percent, lower at 1,401.95.
Tokyo stocks continued to slide throughout the day after opening lower in the morning, as market angst over China showed no signs of subsiding. The yen, traditionally considered a safe haven in times of turmoil and uncertainty, has risen more than 2 percent against the greenback so far this year.