Tokyo stocks end lower as yen goes stronger

TOKYO, Aug. 1 (Xinhua) -- Tokyo stocks closed sharply lower on Thursday over a stronger yen, triggering losses of automobile and other export-related stocks.

Japan's benchmark Nikkei stock index, the 225-issue Nikkei Stock Average, ended down 975.49 points, or 2.49 percent, from Wednesday to close the day at 38,126.33, the first decline in four trading days.

The broader Topix index also plunged by finishi