Tokyo stocks close lower as strong yen hurts exporters

TOKYO, Jan. 24 (Xinhua) -- Tokyo stocks closed lower Wednesday following a three-day winning streak as a firm yen against the U.S. dollar dampened the market mood and weighed on exporter issues.

The 225-issue Nikkei Stock Average dropped 183.37 points, or 0.76 percent, from Tuesday to close the day at 23,940.78.

The broader Topix index of all First Section issues on the Tokyo Stock Exchange, meanwhile, lost 9.84 points, or 0.51 percent, to finish at 1,901.23.

Electric appliance, machinery and bank-linked issues comprised those that declined the most by the close of play.