Around the World's Markets: Tokyo

SHARES LOST nearly 3 per cent as they reacted to worries over strength in the yen and wariness about Wall Street's direction.

The Nikkei 225 fell 2.89 per cent to 17,730.34, as recent strength in the yen and concern over volatile US stocks sparked corrective sales in export-driven hi-tech shares. "The recent rally in high-techs was overdone," said one analyst. "Share prices in the sector have gone too far to be justified by their earnings figures, and the yen's upwards trend triggered a correction."