• Most Popular
  • Most Shared

Nikkei hits 8-wk closing low, politics weighs

Mon Jul 13, 2009 2:11am EDT

Stocks

   

TOKYO, July 13 (Reuters) - Japan's Nikkei average slid 2.6 percent, hitting its lowest close in eight weeks on Monday, hurt by growing political uncertainty after news that embattled Prime Minister Taro Aso is set to call a general election for Aug. 30.

Stocks  |  Global Markets  |  Japan

But Kirin Holdings Co (2503.T) jumped nearly 8 percent and other brewers rose after Suntory Holdings Ltd said it was considering a merger with Kirin, which would create one of the world's largest beverage and food firms. [ID:nT358527]

The benchmark Nikkei .N225 dropped 236.95 points to 9,050.33, its lowest finish since May 18. It booked a nine-day slide, in which it lost 9.1 percent.

The broader Topix declined 2.3 percent to 852.42. (Reporting by Aiko Hayashi)

Stocks
Global Markets
Japan


More from Reuters

Joint Terminal Attack Controller SSgt Clinton J. Herbison, a U.S. Airman from the 817 Expeditionary Air Support Operations Squadron (EASOS) takes a break during a night mission near Honaker Miracle camp at the Pesh valley of Kunar Province August 12, 2009. Credit: REUTERS/Carlos Barria

Pictures of the Year

A look at the best photos of 2009.  Slideshow 

    PICTURES
    The Dalai Lama jokes with a nasal spray after being asked his opinion on the swine flu during a press conference after his first lecture in Lausanne, Switzerland, August 4, 2009. REUTERS/ Valentin Flauraud

    What a wacky year it's been...

    Um, what's up the Dalai Lama's nose? "Oddly Enough" editor Bob Basler rounds up the goofiest photos of the year.  Full Article 

    Oddly Enough
    A caution sign is seen next to a stock board at the Australian Securities Exchange (ASX) in Sydney September 5, 2008. REUTERS/Daniel Munoz
    Political Risk in 2010:

    Don't say we didn't warn you

    With the financial crisis (mostly) in the past, U.S. investors are eying a fresh start to the coming year. Here's a look at what speedbumps lie ahead.  Full Article 

    Global Markets