{ 2008 10 31 }

Japan's Nikkei stock index closes down 5 percent (AP)

Passers-by look at an electronic stock board in downtown Tokyo Friday, Oct. 31, 2008. Japan's benchmark stock index closed down 5 percent Friday with investors dumping stocks after the central bank's smaller-than-expected cut in its key interest rate. The Nikkei 225 index lost 452.78 points to close at 8,576.98 points. (AP Photo/Koji Sasahara)AP - Japan's benchmark stock index closed down 5 percent Friday as investors shrugged off an interest rate cut by the central bank and instead unloaded shares for quick profits ahead of a long weekend.