Tokyo stocks end 3 week low on Ukraine worries, strong yen

Tokyo stocks plunged Wednesday after a long weekend, sending a key index to the lowest closing level in three weeks on ongoing concerns about Ukraine and a stronger yen. The 225-issue Nikkei Stock Average on the Tokyo Stock Exchange (TSE) lost 424.06 points, or 2.93 percent, from Friday to 14,033.45, its lowest finish since April 15. The broader Tokyo Stock Price Index, which includes all shares on the TSE's first section, was also down 30.47 points, or 2.58 percent, to 1,152.01, with all of 33 subindexes ending in negative territory. Japan's financial markets were closed Monday and Tuesday for public holidays. Concerns over the situation in Ukraine dampened investor sentiment, while the yen's strength against the dollar prompted investors to sell export-oriented issues. In the currency markets, at 3:30 p.m. (0630 GMT), the US dollar traded at JPY 101.47-50 versus JPY 101.63-73 in New York at 5 p.m. Tuesday.