Tokyo stocks close lower on weak export data

TOKYO, Oct. 18 (Xinhua) -- Tokyo stocks closed lower Thursday as weak export data sparked concern over Japanese firms' fiscal year earnings, while other Asian bourses' retreating added to a downbeat market mood.

The 225-issue Nikkei Stock Average dropped 182.96 points, or 0.8 percent, from Wednesday to close the day at 22,658.16.

The broader Topix index of all First Section issues on the Tokyo Stock Exchange, meanwhile, lost 9.23 points, or 0.54 percent, to finish at 1,704.64.

Oil and coal product, mining, and chemical-related issues comprised those that declined the most by the close of play.