Tokyo stocks fell March 9, sending the key Nikkei index to its lowest close in more than 26 years as investors were jittery about prospects for the global financial sector and Japan's economy.

The 225-issue Nikkei lost 87.07 points, or 1.2 percent, to end at 7,086.03, marking its lowest finish since Oct. 6, 1982, when it closed at 6,974.35.

The broader Topix index of all first-section issues was down 10.86 points, or 1.51 percent, at 710.53, its lowest level since Dec. 20, 1983, when it ended at 708.53.

Declines were led by real estate, insurance and pharmaceutical issues. Major gainers included mining, oil and coal products, and glass and ceramics issues.

Hiroichi Nishi, equities chief at Nikko Cordial Securities Inc., attributed the day's fall to "strong financial worries mainly stemming from the United States and Europe."