Tokyo stocks open sharply lower amid concerns over global economy

TOKYO, March 25 (Xinhua) -- Tokyo stocks opened sharply lower on Monday, dropping more than 550 points due to Wall Street slumps last week amid worries over global economic growth.

As of 9:15 a.m., the 225-issue Nikkei Stock Average decreased 550.29 points, or 2.54 percent, from Friday to 21,077.05.

The broader Topix index of all First Section issues on the Tokyo Stock Exchange, meanwhile, dropped 37.38 points, or 2.31 percent, to reach 1,579.73.

Oil and coal product, nonferrous metal and machinery issues comprised those that declined the most in the opening minutes after the morning bell.