Tokyo stocks plummeted on Friday, with the Nikkei index ending at a one-month low — falling over 3% at one point — as concerns were raised following reports of a new COVID-19 variant in South Africa and its potential effect on the global economic recovery.
The 225-issue Nikkei stock average ended down 747.66 points, or 2.53%, from Thursday at 28,751.62, its lowest close since Oct. 25. The broader Topix index of all first section issues on the Tokyo Stock Exchange finished 40.71 points, or 2.01%, lower at 1,984.98.
Every industry category lost ground, led by air transportation, real estate, and land transportation issues.