Tokyo, July 18 (BridgeNews) - The Nikkei 225 Stock Average lost 1.5% in the morning session, falling below the key 12,000-point level for the first time since March 15. The weakness in U.S. stocks in after-hours trade, prompted by continued concerns over earnings, weighed on the market. The benchmark declined 175.80 points to close at 11,952.77.