Tokyo stocks fall in morning on Mideast concern, Dow Jones drop
TOKYO (Kyodo) -- Tokyo stocks fell Thursday morning as concerns grew about intensifying tensions in the Middle East following reports that the United States may join Israel in striking Iran.
The 225-issue Nikkei Stock Average fell 287.99 points, or 0.74 percent, from Wednesday to 38,597.16. The broader Topix index was down 16.41 points, or 0.58 percent, at 2,791.94.
The U.S. dollar mostly traded around the 145 yen line in Tokyo as caution prevailed, dealers said.
At noon, the dollar fetched 145.17-19 yen compared with 145.12-22 yen in New York and 144.94-96 yen in Tokyo at 5 p.m. Wednesday.
The euro was quoted at $1.1455-1457 and 166.28-34 yen against $1.1479-1489 and 166.50-60 yen in New York and $1.1512-1513 and 166.86-90 yen in Tokyo late Wednesday afternoon.
On the stock market, sentiment was dampened after Trump reportedly told senior aides that he approved Iran attack plans but has put the final order on hold to see if Tehran would abandon its nuclear program, brokers said.
The market was also dragged down by selling to lock in recent gains after the Nikkei index rose more than 1,000 points over the past three trading days.
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