Nikkei index hits 15-month closing low, drops over 2%

The 225-issue Nikkei Stock Average plunged 372.05 points at 15,713.39

Japan shares ended the trading Wednesday sharply lower with the benchmark Nikkei index dropping over two percent after a five percent decline on the previous day on stronger yen and concerns over global banking sector.

The 225-issue Nikkei Stock Average plunged 372.05 points, or 2.31%, from Tuesday at 15,713.39, hitting a 15-month closing low, Xinhua reported.

The broader Topix index of all First Section issues on the Tokyo Stock Exchange closed 39.37 points, or 3.02%, lower at 1,264.96.

All issues on the main board lost ground, led by banking, financial, and electric power and gas issues.

The day's turnover was about 3,536.8 billion yen ($30.90 billion).