The Nikkei stock index plunged on Thursday, falling below 26,000 for the first time since November 2020, as Russia launched a major attack against Ukraine, raising concerns over the outlook for energy prices and the impact on the global economy.
The 225-issue Nikkei Stock Average ended down 478.79 points, or 1.81%, from Tuesday at 25,970.82, its lowest closing level since Nov. 20, 2020. Japanese financial markets were closed Wednesday for a national holiday. The broader Topix index of all First Section issues on the Tokyo Stock Exchange finished 23.50 points, or 1.25%, lower at 1,857.58.
Investors fled to government bonds, the yen and other safe-haven assets as Russia launched what Kyiv called "a full-scale invasion" following Russian President Vladimir Putin's announcement to carry out a "special military operation" in eastern Ukraine.