Tokyo, November 5 (QNA) - Japan's Nikkei index closed down 2.5% on Tuesday, pressured by sharp declines in technology stocks after warnings from major banks about a potential market downturn.
The Nikkei ended the session at 50,212.27 points. Earlier in the day, the benchmark had fallen as much as 4.65% to 49,073.58 points, its lowest level since October 24.
The broader Topix index also finished lower, shedding 1.26% to close at 3,268.29 points.
Shares of SoftBank Group slumped 10%, Advantest dropped 5.95%, and chip-equipment maker Tokyo Electron fell 4%. Together, the three tech-heavyweights accounted for roughly 75% of the Nikkei's 1,284-point decline.
Meanwhile, Nintendo jumped 6.22%, Fast Retailing -- the operator of Uniqlo -- rose 2%, and furniture and home-goods retailer Nitori Holdings gained 2.3%. (QNA)