Nikkei ends down over 3% on concern over Middle East conflict

TOKYO - The Nikkei stock index ended down over 3 percent on Tuesday, extending its losses in afternoon trading, as investors offloaded stocks on concerns over the conflict in the Middle East and surging oil prices.

The 225-issue Nikkei Stock Average was down 1,778.19 points, or 3.06 percent, from Monday at 56,279.05. The broader Topix index was off 126.25 points, or 3.24 percent, at 3,772.17.