Japan's benchmark Nikkei drops over 3 pct on concern over Middle East conflict

TOKYO, March 3 (Xinhua) -- Japan's benchmark Nikkei stock index ended down over 3 percent on Tuesday, weighed down by concerns over the current conflict in the Middle East and surging oil prices.

The 225-issue Nikkei Stock Average ended down 1,778.19 points, or 3.06 percent, from Monday at 56,279.05.

The broader Topix index, meanwhile, finished 126.25 points, or 3.24 percent, lower at 3,772.17.

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