Tokyo stocks close lower on weak factory output data

TOKYO, Feb. 28 (Xinhua) -- Tokyo stocks closed lower Thursday as investor sentiment was dented by weaker-than-expected factory output data here, coupled with Wall Street's lackluster performance overnight.

The 225-issue Nikkei Stock Average dropped 171.35 points, or 0.79 percent, from Wednesday to close the day at 21,385.16.

The broader Topix index of all First Section issues on the Tokyo Stock Exchange, meanwhile, fell 12.76 points, or 0.79 percent, to finish at 1,607.66.

Electric appliance, marine transportation and securities house-linked issues comprised those that declined the most by the close of play.