(RTTNews) - An index measuring industrial production in Japan climbed 2.2 percent in December compared to the previous month, the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry said in a preliminary report on Friday, standing at 91.6. That was slightly below analyst expectations for a 2.5 percent monthly increase following the revised 2.6 percent expansion in November.

On an annual basis, output was up 5.3 percent - again missing forecasts for a 5.7 percent increase after the 4.2 percent contraction in the previous month.