Tokyo stocks close down on maglev train contractor scandal concerns

TOKYO, Dec. 19 (Xinhua) -- Tokyo stocks closed lower Tuesday with advances made in earlier trade reversed, partly due to an antitrust scandal involving Japan's major contractors winning contracts for a maglev train project, rattling market nerves.

The 225-issue Nikkei Stock Average shed 33.77 points, or 0.15 percent, from Monday to end the day at 22,868.00.

The broader Topix index of all First Section issues on the Tokyo Stock Exchange, meanwhile, edged down 2.72 points, or 0.15 percent, to finish at 1,815.18.

Construction and marine transportation-oriented issues comprised those that declined the most by the close of play.