TOPIX

European shares fell sharply at the start of the session on Monday as global volatility continued amid concerns of a looming US recession.

The global sell-off extended to the start of the week as concerns grew that the Federal Reserve has fallen behind on policy to support the slowing U.S. economy, sending investors to the safety of bonds. Japanese stocks plunged as traders counted on more domestic rate hikes.

Tokyo stocks sank more than 12 percent Monday, battered by a resurgent yen and weak U.S. jobs data that fuelled fears of a recession in the world's top economy.

The benchmark Nikkei 225 index plunged 12.40 percent, or 4,451.28 points, to 31,458.42 — its largest points drop in history — while the broader Topix index lost 12.23 percent, or 310.45 points, to 2,227.15.

The Bank of Japan raised its key interest rate and revealed plans to halve its bond purchases in actions that underscore its determination to normalize its policy.

The Tokyo Stock Exchange began Wednesday with a downturn, continuing the global downward trend in financial markets under the influence of political uncertainty in Italy.

The Nikkei Index lost 1.67% - 374.17 points to 21 984.26 points at the beginning of trading.

The broader Topix index also fell 1.59 percent - 28.10 points to 1,733, 75 points.

The Tokyo Stock Exchange began Monday with a rise supported by the cheap yen and a reduction in worries about the trade war between the US and China.

The Nikkei Index recorded a plus of 0.12% at the beginning of the session ( 28.37 points to 22,958.73 ).

The Topix rose almost symbolically by 0.01% or 0.23 points to 1,815.48.

Japanese factory output and U.S. consumer confidence are among the few trading cues in the last trading week of the year, with Tokyo's Nikkei 225 on track to be one of the best-performing major stock indices globally.

The Japanese market is open from today through Dec. 20 in what is expected to be quiet trading in a holiday-shortened week.

Japanese stocks were showing a downwards trend on Monday since weak employment rates in the US limited risk-taking initiatives.

SHARP’s stock, however, marked an increase of 6.1% after information which pointed to the possibility that the corporation’s LCD unit might be separated from the main corporate body.