Tokyo stocks close lower on global economic concerns

TOKYO, Jan. 23 (Xinhua) -- Tokyo stocks closed marginally lower Wednesday on concerns for the outlook of the global economy, but losses were pared by a comparatively weak yen versus the U.S. dollar and on expectations for ongoing monetary easing by the Bank of Japan (BOJ).

The 225-issue Nikkei Stock Average shed 29.19 points, or 0.14 percent, from Tuesday to close the day at 20,593.72.

The broader Topix index of all First Section issues on the Tokyo Stock Exchange, meanwhile, lost 9.40 points, or 0.60 percent, lower at 1,547.03.

By the close of play, rubber product, oil and coal product, and mining issues comprised those that declined the most.