Tokyo stocks close lower as firm yen weighs on market, investors secure profits

TOKYO, Jan. 17 (Xinhua) -- Tokyo stocks closed lower Wednesday as a firm yen against the U.S. dollar impacted exporter issues and prompted investors to secure profits.

The 225-issue Nikkei Stock Average dropped 83.47 points, or 0.35 percent, from Tuesday to close the day at 23,868.34.

The broader Topix index of all First Section issues on the Tokyo Stock Exchange, meanwhile, lost 3.43 points, or 0.18 percent, to finish at 1,890.82.

Mining, oil and coal product, and iron and steel-related issues comprised those that declined the most by the close of play.