Tokyo stocks close lower as U.S. Treasury yields' continued rise sparks concerns

TOKYO, Feb. 2 (Xinhua) -- Tokyo stocks closed lower Friday on increasing concerns about the ongoing rise in U.S. Treasury yields which has weighed on the market here amid expectations inflationary pressures could build in the United States.

The 225-issue Nikkei Stock Average dropped 211.58 points, or 0.90 percent, from Thursday to close the day at 23,274.53.

The broader Topix index of all First Section issues on the Tokyo Stock Exchange, meanwhile, lost 6.24 points, or 0.33 percent, to finish at 1,864.20.

Securities, bank and machinery-oriented issues comprised those that declined the most by the close of play.