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| - Tokyo's benchmark Nikkei index closed down for a fourth consecutive session on Tuesday with investors eyeing the impact of the new virus outbreak on major global companies. The Nikkei 225 index dropped 1.40 percent, or 329.44 points, to 23,193.80 in thin trade because of a market holiday in the US. The broader Topix index was down 1.31 percent, or 22.06 points, to 1,665.71. There has been a slowdown in new infections in China in recent days but traders are still fretting over the global economic impact of the health crisis. "While figures coming from China appear to be slowing down, the impact of the new coronavirus on companies is gradually becoming visible," said Yoshihiro Okumura, general manager at Chibagin Asset Management. "Today, traders were downhearted about Apple's announcement," Okumura told AFP. Apple said Monday it would miss its revenue forecast for the March quarter due to the coronavirus epidemic. The death toll from the virus leapt beyond 1,800 in China, with 93 more people dying in Hubei province, the epicentre of the outbreak. There were 1,807 new cases -- a decline on the previous day -- bringing the total to 72,300 across the country. Investor worries eased slightly after the Chinese central bank's announcement on measures aimed at cushioning the world's second-largest economy against the fallout, said Okasan Online Securities. On Monday, the People's Bank of China offered 200 billion yuan ($29 billion) of one-year medium-term loans at a 3.15 percent interest rate, 10 basis points lower than previously. It also added 100 billion yuan to money markets through reverse repurchase agreements. In individual stocks trade in Tokyo, Apple suppliers lost ground. Sony, which provides Apple with key imaging components, lost 2.50 percent to 7,265 yen, as Electronic parts maker Murata Manufacturing plunged 3.41 percent to 6,114 yen. Nissan was down 1.61 percent at 494.7 percent as its new leadership team was voted in after a furious shareholders' meeting following its poor performance. The dollar was changing hands at 109.73 yen in Asia afternoon trade Tuesday compared with 109.93 in European trade Monday. The US financial markets were closed Monday for a public holiday. si/ric/je
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