TOKYO, March 6 (Xinhua) -- Tokyo stocks closed sharply lower Friday as investor sentiment was risk-averse from the outset following a global equities rout triggered by an escalation in concern over the spread of the coronavirus.

The 225-issue Nikkei Stock Average dropped 579.37 points, or 2.72 percent, from Thursday to close the day at 20,749.75, marking its lowest closing level since Sept. 4.

The broader Topix index of all First Section issues on the Tokyo Stock Exchange, meanwhile, fell 44.25 points, or 2.92 percent, to finish at 1,471.46.

Iron and steel, securities brokerage and nonferrous metal-linked issues comprised those that declined the most by the close of play.

(Photo: VCG)