Tokyo stocks close lower in choppy trade as yen's rise hurts exporters

TOKYO, Feb. 13 (Xinhua) -- Tokyo stocks reversed earlier gains on the back of U.S. shares rising overnight, with the Nikkei closing at a four-month low Tuesday as the yen's rise against the U.S. dollar dented exporter issues.

The 225-issue Nikkei Stock Average dropped 137.94 points, or 0.65 percent, from Friday to close the day at 21,244.68, marking its lowest closing level since Oct. 13.

The broader Topix index of all First Section issues on the Tokyo Stock Exchange, meanwhile, lost 15.19 points, or 0.88 percent, to finish at 1,716.78.

Rubber product, transportation equipment and marine transportation-linked issues comprised those that declined the most by the close of play.

Markets here were closed Monday for a national holiday.