Tokyo  - Japan's Nikkei index slid in early trading Thursday as rising commodity prices dimmed earnings prospects of Japanese companies, while the Topix index gained some ground.

The benchmark Nikkei 225 Stock Average was down 68.97 points, or 0.79 per cent, at mid-trading, also driven down by emerging opposition in the US Senate to the rescue deal for US carmakers.

The broader Topix index of all first-section issues rose 1.98 points, or 0.24 per cent to 836.53.

On currency markets at 9 am (0000 GMT), the dollar was quoted at 92.82-87 yen, up from Wednesday's 5 pm quote of 92.52-54 yen.

The euro was quoted at 1.3010-15 dollars, up from 1.2983-85 dollars, and at 120.80-85 yen, up from 120.12-16 yen the previous day. (dpa)