Tokyo stocks plunged Monday, the final day of fiscal 2002, with the key Nikkei index ending below 8,000 amid growing concerns over a prolonged U.S.-led war in Iraq and its effects on the global economy.
The 225-issue Nikkei Stock Average tumbled 307.45 points, or 3.71 percent, to end at 7,972.71, its lowest finish since March 18 and the first close below 8,000 in eight sessions.
It was also the lowest fiscal year close since it ended at 7,260.48 on March 31, 1982.