Tokyo stocks nosedived nearly 7 percent Thursday, with the key Nikkei index falling below the 8,000 line for the first time in about three weeks.

    The 225-issue Nikkei Stock Average lost 570.18 points, or 6.89 percent, from Wednesday to 7,703.04, closing below 8,000 for the first time since Oct. 28.

    The broader Topix index of all First Section issues on the Tokyo Stock Exchange was down 45.15 points, or 5.46 percent, to 782.28.

    Stocks fell across the board, led by insurance, real estate, and consumer finance issues. Only one sector -- gas and electric issues -- advanced.