Nikkei logs 2nd-largest drop in history on U.S. recession fears

The Nikkei stock index tumbled over 2,000 points Friday to register its second-largest point drop in history, in a global market rout stirred by concerns over a U.S. recession following weaker-than-expected economic data.Stocks were sold across the board following the previous day's plunge as sentiment further worsened, with a recent appreciation of the yen against the U.S. dollar also spurring selling of export-related auto and electronics issues.The 225-issue Nikkei Stock Average ended down 2,216.63 points, or 5.81 percent, from Thursday at 35,909.70, its lowest closing since Jan. 26. The…READ FULL ARTICLE