Nikkei 225 index modestly lower as data showed production declined in February

Japan's Nikkei Stock Average edged down on Friday as data showed Japan's industrial production declined by 1.2% in February. Losses were limited as other report showed Japan's housing starts soared by 7.5% in February while unemployment fell. Nikkei 225 index fell 0.31% or 31.23 points and finished at 10,083.56. Heiwa Real Estate rallied 4.2% and Kawasaki Kisen advanced 2.25%. Financial shares tumbled with Mizuho Financial Group dropping 2.2% and Sumitomo Mitsui Financial Group fell 1.8%.