Japans Nikkei Ends at 8-Week Low

Tokyo, Japans Nikkei share average fell nearly 2% on Tuesday to close at an eight-week low as technology stocks tracked the overnight declines on Wall Street. The Nikkei fell 1.94% to 38,471.20, its lowest close since Feb. 21. The index lost as much as 2.3% during the session. The broader Topix lost 2.04% to 2,697.11. Among individual stocks, chip-making equipment maker Tokyo Electron slid 4.15% to become the biggest drag on the Nikkei, while chip-testing equipment maker Advantest lost 3.76%. Uniqlo-brand owner Fast Retailing fell 1.8%. J.Front Retailing tanked 9.15% to become the worst percentage loser on the Nikkei after the department store operator cut its annual profit forecast. Of the 225 components on the Nikkei, 33 stocks rose and 191 fell, with one flat. Source: Qatar News Agency