Tokyo stocks fall amid geopolitical risks, strong yen

TOKYO, June 13 (Xinhua) -- Tokyo stocks continued to drop on Friday, driven by rising geopolitical risks and a stronger yen.

The benchmark Nikkei stock index, the 225-issue Nikkei Stock Average, closed at 37,834.25, down 338.84 points, or 0.89 percent, from the previous trading day.

The index plunged by over 600 points at one stage after Israel announced a large-scale strike on Iranian nuclear-related and military facilities.

As risk aversion intensified, the yen appreciated to the upper 142 yen range per U.S. dollar, reinforcing selling pressure on stock index futures.

The stronger yen, a typical safe-haven currency, contributed to declines across major Japanese equities. Uncertainty surrounding U.S. auto tariffs also weighed on sentiment.

The broader TOPIX index also fell, ending 26.5 points, or 0.95 percent lower at 2,756.47.

On the Tokyo Stock Exchange Prime Market, about 80 percent of listed stocks declined. Enditem