Tokyo stocks close lower after volatile trading

Tokyo stocks on Tuesday closed nearly 4 percent lower after concerns over global economic slowdown following days of decline of overseas markets.

The 225-issue Nikkei Stock Average ended down 733.98 points, or 3.96 percent, from Monday at 17,806.70, Xinhua news agency reported.

Earlier in the day, the index briefly fell to 17,747.50, the lowest intraday level since February 3.

The broader Topix index of all First Section issues on the Tokyo Stock Exchange finished at 48.22 points or 3.26 percent.

Decliners were led by warehousing, nonferrous metals and iron and steel issues.

The turnover was 4,924 billion yen (about $41.03 billion).