Tokyo stocks end lower amid concerns over changing U.S. tariffs

Tokyo stocks retreated Monday amid growing concerns over the flip-flops in U.S. tariff policies following President Donald Trump's decision to double tariff rates on steel and aluminum.

Japan's benchmark Nikkei stock index, the 225-issue Nikkei Stock Average, ended down 494.43 points, or 1.30 percent, from Friday at 37,470.67.

The broader Topix index, meanwhile, finished 24.28 points, or 0.87 percent, lower at 2,777.29.

On the stock market, sentiment was dampened over fears of a global economic slowdown after Trump said Friday that he will raise tariffs on steel and aluminum imports to 50 percent from 25 percent imposed by his administration earlier this year.

The benchmark Nikkei index briefly lost more than 500 points as heavyweight semiconductor-related shares faced selling after declines by their U.S. counterparts late last week.