TOKYO, Dec. 16 (Xinhua) -- Tokyo stocks fell sharply on Tuesday, with the Nikkei index ending at a two-week low below the key 50,000 line, as caution prevailed before the release of key U.S. economic indicators.
The 225-issue Nikkei Stock Average dropped 784.82 points, or 1.56 percent, from Monday to 49,383.29, its lowest closing level since Dec. 2. The broader Topix index fell 60.97 points, or 1.78 percent, lower at 3,370.50.
The main decliners were nonferrous metal, securities house and mining issues.
The U.S. dollar weakened to the upper 154 yen range in Tokyo as the yen was bought on expectations that the Bank of Japan will raise its benchmark interest rate at a two-day policy meeting through Friday, dealers said.
On the stock market, heavyweight technology issues tracked declines of their U.S. counterparts overnight, while exporter shares were pressured by a stronger yen. ■
