Tokyo stocks end sharply lower amid yen's appreciation

TOKYO, Jan. 26 (Xinhua) -- Tokyo stocks plunged sharply on Monday, as export-oriented issues were sold following the yen's appreciation against the U.S. dollar.

The 225-issue Nikkei Stock Average ended down 961.62 points, or 1.79 percent, from Friday at 52,885.25. The broader Topix index finished 77.21 points, or 2.13 percent, lower at 3,552.49.

The main decliners were transportation equipment, bank and e