Tokyo stocks end down on European debt worries

Tokyo stocks fell Wednesday, with the Nikkei stock index ending at a new 29-month low, as Asian stocks sagged against the backdrop of persistent jitters over the eurozone. The 225-issue Nikkei Stock Average dropped 97.98 points, or 1.14%, from Tuesday to 8,518.57, its lowest close since finishing at 8493.77 on April 28, 2009, Japan''s (Kyodo) news agency reported. The broader Topix index of all First Section issues on the Tokyo Stock Exchange was down 8.13 points, or 1.08% at 741.69. Decliners were led by the consumer finance sector, followed by the nonferrous and textiles sectors. Gainers included the rubber products, the fishery and forestry, and the electricity and gas sectors. Tokyo stocks extended losses in the afternoon, with the Nikkei index briefly dipping below the 8,500 level for the first time since April 2009, as Asian stocks fell broadly amid lingering fears over the eurozone debt crisis, brokers said.