TOKYO, June 1 (Xinhua) -- Tokyo stocks closed mixed Friday as easing concerns about Italy's political situation and a softer yen encouraged buying, but selling was promoted by concerns the United States will impose tariffs on steel and aluminum imports from the European Union, Canada and Mexico.
The 225-issue Nikkei Stock Average lost 30.47 points, or 0.14 percent, from Thursday to close the day at 22,171.35.
The broader Topix index of all First Section issues on the Tokyo Stock Exchange, meanwhile, edged up 1.72 points, or 0.1 percent, to finish at 1,749.17.
In choppy trade, investors were relieved for now by reports that a coalition government to be formed in Italy would avoid more turbulence in the eurozone, with a break in the political deadlock hopefully averting a snap election, local brokers here said.
But gains, they said, were pared by rising concerns about U.S. President Donald Trump's protectionist measures and a possible global trade war resulting from the U.S. imposing tariffs on steel and aluminum imports from the European Union, Canada and Mexico.
By the close of play, electric power and gas, and food issues comprised notable decliners, while transportation equipment, oil and coal product, and mining-oriented issues led those that gained the most.
Rising issues outpaced declining ones by 1,127 to 884 on the First Section, while 73 ended the day unchanged, and on the main section Friday, 1,605.99 million shares changed hands, dropping from Thursday's volume of 2,264.14 million shares.
The turnover on the final trading day of the week came to 2,651.2 billion yen (24.29 billion U.S. dollars).
