Japan's benchmark Nikkei plunges over 3 pct

TOKYO, Nov. 18 (Xinhua) -- Japan's benchmark Nikkei stock index fell more than 3 percent on Tuesday, pressured by heavyweight technology issues and concerns about worsening Japan-China relations.

The 225-issue Nikkei Stock Average ended down 1,620.93 points, or 3.22 percent, from Monday at 48,702.98, marking the biggest percentage drop since April 9 when the index fell 3.93 percent.

The broader Topix inde