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Tokyo stocks end at 3.5-month low over N. Korea concerns

TOKYO, Aug 21 (KUNA) -- Tokyo stocks extended their losing streak for a fourth straight session on Monday, with a key index ending at a fresh 3.5-month low on concern over tensions between North Korea and the US.
The 225-issue Nikkei Stock Average on the Tokyo Stock Exchange (TSE) lost 77.28 points, or 0.40 percent, from Friday to 19,393.13; its lowest finish since May 1. The broader Tokyo Stock Price Index, which includes all shares on the TSE's first section, was also down 2.17 points, or 0.14 percent, to 1,595.19.
Investor sentiment was dented by increasing tensions on the Korean Peninsula, as US and South Korean forces began a joint military exercise on Monday in response to North Korea's nuclear and missile threats.
In the currency markets, at 4:00 pm (0700 GMT), the US dollar traded at JPY 109.03-04 versus JPY 109.15-25 in New York and JPY 109.05-06 in Tokyo at 5:00 pm Friday. (end) mk.hb