Tokyo stocks fall most in 5 months

Tokyo stocks plunged on Tuesday, sending a key index to fall the most in five months on disappointing US job data. The 225-issue Nikkei Stock Average on the Tokyo Stock Exchange (TSE) lost 489.66 points, or 3.08 percent, from Friday to 15,422.40, the lowest finish since December 17. It also posted the biggest one-day loss since August 7. The broader Tokyo Stock Price Index, which includes all shares on the market's first section, was down 29.40 points, or 2.26 percent, lower to 1,269. 08, with all 33 sectors on the TSE losing ground. Japan's financial markets were closed Monday for a national holiday. Sentiment was dented by weaker-than-expected US jobs data, which raised concerns about the US growth outlook. The yen's strength against the dollar also prompted investors to sell export-oriented issues. In the currency markets, at 4:30 p.m. (0730 GMT), the US dollar traded at JPY 103.42-44 versus JPY 102.95-103.05 in New York at 5 p.m. Monday.