Tokyo stocks close slightly lower

TOKYO, Feb. 22 (Xinhua) -- Tokyo stocks closed marginally lower Friday as investor sentiment was dented by subpar economic data from the United States and the European Union and contributed to market concerns about the health of the global economy.

The 225-issue Nikkei Stock Average shed 38.72 points, or 0.18 percent, from Thursday to close the day at 21,425.51.

The broader Topix index of all First Section issues on the Tokyo Stock Exchange, meanwhile, lost 3.98 points, or 0.25 percent, to finish at 1,609.52.

Marine transportation, oil and coal product, and securities-linked issues comprised those that declined the most by the close of play.