Tokyo, March 8 (BridgeNews) - The Nikkei ended 0.6% lower in directionless, technical trade ahead of Friday's special quotation fixing for March futures and options contracts, coupled with profit-taking following three straight days of gains. The downside was, however, limited by a rise in export-oriented issues on the back of the yen's depreciation and firmness in the banking sector. The Nikkei fell 73.33 points to 12,650.56.