Tokyo stocks close lower on firm yen, weak U.S. retail data

TOKYO, Feb. 15 (Xinhua) -- Tokyo stocks closed lower Friday as a firm yen impacted exporter issues, while sluggish U.S. retail sales dented market sentiment and sparked concerns about the health of the U.S. economy.

The 225-issue Nikkei Stock Average dropped 239.08 points, or 1.13 percent, from Thursday to close the day at 20,900.63.

The broader Topix index of all First Section issues on the Tokyo Stock Exchange, meanwhile, lost 12.52 points, or 0.79 percent, to finish at 1,577.29.

Nonferrous metal, service and machinery-linked issues comprised those that declined the most by the close of play.