A man looks at the rate of the Tokyo Stock...

A man looks at the rate of the Tokyo Stock Exchange at the quotation board of a security company in Tokyo. (March 10, 2011) Credit: TOSHIFUMI KITAMURA/AFP/Getty Images

Japanese shares are plunging in early trading Monday in the first business day after the devastating earthquake and tsunami.

The benchmark Nikkei 225 stock average shed 494 points, or 4.8 percent, to 9,760.45.

Worries about the economic impact of the disaster, including power shortages, triggered a broad sell-off that hit all sectors.

The dollar was trading at the lower 81-yen level, down from the high 82-yen levels Friday.

LI woman's accused stalker in court ... Blakeman discusses campaign priorities ... LI Works: Making stone countertops ... Westbury Gardens hosts Lego exhibit ... Get the latest news and more great videos at NewsdayTV Credit: Newsday

LI woman's accused stalker in court ... Blakeman discusses campaign priorities ... LI Works: Making stone countertops ... Westbury Gardens hosts Lego exhibit ... Get the latest news and more great videos at NewsdayTV

LI woman's accused stalker in court ... Blakeman discusses campaign priorities ... LI Works: Making stone countertops ... Westbury Gardens hosts Lego exhibit ... Get the latest news and more great videos at NewsdayTV Credit: Newsday

LI woman's accused stalker in court ... Blakeman discusses campaign priorities ... LI Works: Making stone countertops ... Westbury Gardens hosts Lego exhibit ... Get the latest news and more great videos at NewsdayTV

SUBSCRIBE

Unlimited Digital AccessOnly 25¢for 6 months

ACT NOWSALE ENDS SOON | CANCEL ANYTIME