Tokyo stocks end lower as higher oil prices reignite inflation jitters

Tokyo stocks ended lower Wednesday, as renewed attacks between the United States and Iran pushed up crude oil prices, rekindling concerns about inflation.The 225-issue Nikkei Stock Average dropped 1,437.91 points, or 2.11 percent, from Tuesday to 66,819.05. The broader Topix index finished 55.83 points, or 1.37 percent, lower at 4,006.43.On the top-tier Prime Market, the main decliners were precision instrument, nonferrous metal and machinery issues.The U.S. military said it launched strikes on Iran in response to attacks on tankers in the Strait of Hormuz, pushing crude oil futures higher.…READ FULL ARTICLE