Nikkei stock index plunges on growing BOJ rate hike speculation

The Nikkei stock index plunged Monday to snap a four-day winning streak, hit by a stronger yen and rising long-term yields as remarks from the Bank of Japan governor caused increased speculation that the central bank could raise interest rates this month.The yield on the benchmark 10-year Japanese government bond hit 1.875 percent, its highest level since June 2008, after BOJ Governor Kazuo Ueda said the central bank will weigh the pros and cons of raising its policy rate when its board meets later this month.The U.S. dollar briefly weakened to the lower 155 yen range in Tokyo after Ueda's …READ FULL ARTICLE