Nikkei hits 4-mth closing low as banks, exporters drag

TOKYO, Nov 24 - Japan's Nikkei average hit its lowest close in four months on Tuesday as banking shares were sold on persistent worries that more financial firms would tap the market for equity financing and as a stronger yen hurt shares of exporters.

Japan Airlines Corp <9205.T> plunged to a record low on worries about a possible bankruptcy, while consumer lender Takefuji Corp <8564.T> fell nearly 7 percent after a two-notch downgrade from rating agency Moody's to a level indicating a very high credit risk.

The benchmark Nikkei <.N225> fell 1 percent to 9,401.58, its lowest finish since July 17.

The broader Topix <.TOPX> declined 1.1 percent to 829.22. Tokyo markets were closed for a holiday on Monday. ((aiko.hayashi@thomsonreuters.com; Reuters Messaging: aiko.hayashi.reuters.com@reuters.net; +81 3 6441 1802)) ((If you have a query or comment on this story send an email to news.feedback.asia@thomsonreuters.com)) ((Multimedia versions of Reuters Top News are now available for: * 3000 Xtra : visit http://topnews.session.rservices.com * BridgeStation: view story .134 * Reuters Plus: from your WebDSS screen For more information on Top News, visit http://topnews.reuters.com))