This file photo shows the Tokyo Stock Exchange. (Mainichi)

       TOKYO (Kyodo) -- Tokyo stocks opened sharply lower Tuesday, with the benchmark Nikkei sinking over 2 percent at the outset, as concerns over a potential default by Chinese property developer Evergrande Group roiled U.S. and European stock markets overnight.

       The Nikkei dropped below the 30,000 mark for the first time in nearly two weeks on an intraday basis. In the first 15 minutes of trading, the 225-issue Nikkei Stock Average shed 501.87 points, or 1.65 percent, from Friday to 29,998.18. Japanese financial markets were closed Monday for a national holiday.

       The broader Topix index of all First Section issues on the Tokyo Stock Exchange was down 39.39 points, or 1.88 percent, at 2,060.78.

       Decliners were led by machinery, securities house and marine transportation issues.

       With the mood shifting to risk-off, investors also sought the Japanese yen, perceived as a safe-haven asset. The U.S. dollar remained weak in the lower 109 yen zone, fetching 109.43-44 yen at 9 a.m., compared with 109.33-43 yen at 5 p.m. Monday in New York.

       The euro was quoted at $1.1726-1730 and 128.32-33 yen against $1.1722-1732 and 128.21-31 yen in New York late Monday afternoon.

       Font Size S M L Print Timeline 0