Tokyo stocks close sharply lower on concerns for global economic outlook

Tokyo, March 28 (Xinhua) -- Tokyo stocks closed sharply lower on Thursday as Wall Street's retreat overnight set a negative tone with broader concerns about the outlook for the global economy also denting investor sentiment.

The 225-issue Nikkei Stock Average dropped 344.97 points, or 1.61 percent, from Wednesday to close the day at 21,033.76.

The broader Topix index of all First Section issues on the Tokyo Stock Exchange, meanwhile, fell 26.64 points, or 1.66 percent, to finish at 1,582.85.

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