This article is from the source 'bbc' and was first published or seen on . It last changed over 40 days ago and won't be checked again for changes.

You can find the current article at its original source at http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-36431736

The article has changed 4 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.

Version 1 Version 2
Japanese stocks slide on yen strength Japanese stocks slide on yen strength
(about 4 hours later)
Japanese shares are falling in Tokyo, as a stronger yen weighs on exporting firms. The US dollar has fallen to below 110 yen. Japan's Nikkei index suffered its biggest percentage fall for a month as a stronger yen weighed on exporters.
Japan's benchmark Nikkei 225 lost 2.29% at the midday mark, down to 16,568.12 points. The US dollar fell below 109 yen at one point and has dropped more than 2% against the yen since Monday.
Shares of 212 companies were trading with losses; only seven have gained. Analysts say the change is down to uncertainty over when the US will raise rates, and comments from a Bank of Japan board member who is against deepening negative interest rates.
Tech firms Sony and Panasonic saw their shares hit, and carmakers including Toyota, Nissan and Isuzu were also part of the loss-making group. The Nikkei 225 index closed down 393.18 points, or 2.3%, at 16,562.55.
Takata shares were lower by 3%, outpacing the fall in the broader market. US carmaker Ford has said it will recall about 1.9 million vehicles in North America, which have been fitted with defective airbag inflators made by the company. Tech firms Sony and Panasonic were on the losers list, along with carmakers Toyota, Nissan and Isuzu.
Sentiment for Japanese stocks is also taking a hit after Prime Minister Shinzo Abe officially announced a delay to an increase in the nation's sales tax. That is raising concerns about the direction and growth prospects for the economy. Takata shares fell 5.1%. US carmaker Ford has said it will recall about 1.9 million vehicles in North America, which have been fitted with defective airbag inflators made by the company.
Sentiment for Japanese stocks was also hit after Prime Minister Shinzo Abe announced a delay to an increase in the nation's sales tax. The decision has raised concerns about the direction and growth prospects for the economy.
Mr Abe has said the increase in the tax from 8% to 10% will be delayed until late 2019. It was originally scheduled to be implemented next year.Mr Abe has said the increase in the tax from 8% to 10% will be delayed until late 2019. It was originally scheduled to be implemented next year.
Elsewhere in Asia, China's Shanghai Composite was flat at 2,915.83. Over in Hong Kong, the benchmark Hang Seng index was directionless, at 20,733.99. Elsewhere in Asia, China's Shanghai Composite edged up 0.1% to 2,917.31, while in Hong Kong, the benchmark Hang Seng index was also 0.1% higher at 20,784.80.
South Korea's Kospi index was mostly unchanged at 1,984.12. Revised growth data released earlier on Thursday showed the economy expanded at an annual rate of 2.8% in the first quarter, compared with a previous estimate of 2.7%. South Korea's Kospi index closed up 0.1% at 1,985.11. Revised growth data released earlier on Thursday showed the economy expanded at an annual rate of 2.8% in the first quarter, compared with a previous estimate of 2.7%.
In Australia, the S&P ASX/200 has shed 0.83% - or 44.3 points - to 5,227.70. In Australia, the S&P ASX/200 index ended the day down 44.27 points, or 0.8%, at 5,278.90.