Nikkei index ends down over 2% as tech issues plunge from recent highs

TOKYO – The Nikkei stock index ended down over 2 percent on Wednesday after briefly sliding over 4 percent to below the 50,000 line, as heavyweight technology shares were sold following recent surges.

The 225-issue Nikkei Stock Average plunged 1,284.93 points, or 2.50 percent, from Tuesday to 50,212.27. The broader Topix index finished 41.85 points, or 1.26 percent, lower at 3,268.29.