Tokyo, Nov 16 (IANS): Tokyo stocks dropped sharply in early trading on Monday as data released just before the opening bell showed a contracted Japanese economy for a second straight quarter.
As of 9.15 a.m. (local time), the 225-issue Nikkei Stock Average dropped 250.23 points (1.28 percent) from Friday to 19,346.68, Xinhua news agency reported.
The broader Topix index of all First Section issues on the Tokyo Stock Exchange fell 18.68 points (1.18 percent) to 1,567.15.
All categories retreated in early trading, except mining-related issues, with notable decliners led by air transport, insurance and land transport-linked stocks.