Japan's benchmark Nikkei briefly sinks over 7 pct in morning session

TOKYO, March 9 (Xinhua) -- Japan's benchmark Nikkei stock index plunged Monday morning, briefly sinking over 7 percent and slipping below the 52,000 line, amid concerns over the escalating conflict in the Middle East.

The 225-issue Nikkei Stock Average dropped 3,880.38 points, or 6.98 percent, from Friday to end the morning session at 51,740.46.

The broader Topix index, meanwhile, was down 208.21 points, or 5.60 percent, at 3,508.72.

The Nikkei stock index was pressured after the benchmark West Texas Intermediate crude oil futures contract temporarily surpassed 119 U.S. dollars per barrel in New York on Sunday, the highest level since June 2022, amid concerns that the conflict in the Middle East will disrupt supplies, brokers said. ■