TOKYO, June 5 (Xinhua) -- Tokyo stocks closed lower on Thursday as a stronger yen driven by concerns over a slowing U.S. economy prompted selling in export-related stocks such as automakers.
The benchmark Nikkei stock index, the 225-issue Nikkei Stock Average, closed at 37,554.49, down 192.96 points, or 0.51 percent, from the previous trading day.
The yen briefly strengthened to the 142 level against the U.S. dollar after weaker-than-expected U.S. economic indicators, which raised fears of an economic slowdown and sparked dollar selling.
This led to declines in shares of Toyota and Honda on concerns over deteriorating export profitability. While most export-heavy stocks dragged the market down, some high-priced semiconductor stocks posted strong gains and helped limit the Nikkei's losses.
The broader Topix index declined by 28.66 points, or 1.03 percent, to close at 2,756.47.
Of the listed stocks on the Tokyo Stock Exchange Prime Market, declining issues numbered 995, while 567 rose and 69 were unchanged. ■
