The Nikkei 225 index experienced significant volatility, plunging over 1,300 points at one stage due to middle east tensions and a stock rout in South Korea. The index later rebounded, with over 70% of prime market stocks advancing as tensions eased, but it also had other declines, including a drop of over 700 points. The extent of the losses and the overall direction of the index are unclear, with reports of various declines and a rebound.