Tokyo - Japan's key Nikkei 225 Stock Average fell to a seven-week low Wednesday ahead of the US Federal Reserve's rate decision later in the day.

The Nikkei index declined 204.59 points, or 1.48 per cent, to 13,644.97.

The broader Topix index of all first-section issues was also down 22.09 points, or 1.64 per cent, at 1,327.1.

On currency markets at 9 am (0000 GMT), the dollar was quoted at 107.80-85 yen, down from Tuesday's 5 pm quote of 107.92-95 yen.

The euro was quoted at 1.5570-75 dollars, up from Tuesday's 5 pm quote of 1.5569-72 dollars, and at 167.90-95 yen, down from 168.05-09 yen. (dpa)