Tokyo  - Japan's benchmark Nikkei index snapped a seven-day winning streak on renewed worries over the US economy Thursday.

The Nikkei 225 Stock Average fell 212.5 points, or 2.3 per cent, to 9,026.74, as investor concerns grew over US jobmarket data.

The broader Topix index of all First Section issues was also down 15.45 points, or 1.74 per cent, to 872.8.

The yen's advance against the US dollar also led investors to sell mainly export-oriented issues as a stronger yen affects Japanese companies' earnings.

On the currency markets at 9 am (0000 GMT), the dollar was quoted at 92.72-77 yen, down from Wednesday's 5 pm quote of 93.46-49 yen.

The euro was quoted at 1.3612-17 dollars, up from late Wednesday's quote of 1.3582-83 dollars, and at 126.25-30 yen, down from 126.95-99 yen. (dpa)