TOKYO: Japan’s Nikkei closed lower to post its largest drop in more than six weeks, as the index tracked Wall Street’s losses after Federal Reserve chair Jerome Powell indicated near-term interest-rate hikes.

       The Nikkei share average ended 1.9% lower yesterday at 26,590.78 – the biggest percentage decline since March 11. The broader

       Topix lost 1.5% to 1,876.52.

       Wall Street tumbled more than 2.5% on Friday, as surprise earnings news and increased certainty around aggressive near-term interest rate rises took a toll on investors.

       Powell indicated the United States central bank was preparing a half-point interest rate hike at its May meeting, with more to come. — Reuters