TOKYO, Dec. 22 (Xinhua) -- Tokyo stocks closed lower Tuesday as investor sentiment was dampened by concerns that a new variant of the coronavirus virus spreading in Europe could cloud the outlook for global economic recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic.

The 225-issue Nikkei Stock Average fell 278.03 points, or 1.04 percent, from Monday to close the day at 26,436.39.

The broader Topix index of all First Section issues on the Tokyo Stock Exchange, meanwhile, lost 27.93 points, or 1.56 percent, to finish at 1,761.12.

Mining, marine transportation and iron and steel-oriented issues comprised those that declined the most by the close of play.