Tokyo stocks close sharply lower on eurozone concerns

TOKYO, March 8 (Xinhua) -- Tokyo stocks closed sharply lower Friday as investor sentiment was dampened by the European Central Bank cutting its growth outlook for the eurozone a day earlier.

The 225-issue Nikkei Stock Average dropped 430.45 points, or 2.01 percent, from Thursday to close the day at 21,025.56.

The broader Topix index of all First Section issues on the Tokyo Stock Exchange, meanwhile, lost 29.22 points, or 1.82 percent, to finish at 1,572.44.

Marine transportation, insurance and securities house-linked issues comprised those that declined the most by the close of play.