TOKYO, Sept 15 Reuters The dollar held steady in Asia on Friday, easing slightly from overnight gains against peers, while the yuan strengthened in the wake of some marketbeating economic data out of China.

The dollar jumped overnight after U.S. retail sales received a boost from higher gasoline prices, increasing 0.6 in August versus an estimated 0.2 rise, while market participants reacted to the European Central Bank39;s 25basis point hike.

The U.S. dollar index last stood somewhat lower at 105.25, but still near Thursday39;s sixmonth peak of 105.43.

The euro remained near Thursday39;s multimonth low of 1.0632 against the greenback.

The yuan and Australian and New Zealand dollars received a boost after a batch of economic data from China in the Asian morning came in betterthanexpected for some key indicators, providing a rare lift in sentiment.

The offshore yuan rose over 0.3 against the dollar to around 7.262 after the release.

The yuan had weakened on Thursday after the People39;s Bank of China39;s PBOC announced that it would make its second 25basis point cut to banks39; reserve requirement ratio this year.

While the move was aimed at keeping liquidity ample and supporting a shaky economic recovery, it could exacerbate the decline in the already struggling yuan , as domestic rates fall further.

The PBOC has provided piecemeal stimulus, but the economy still suffers from a lack of consumer confidence, said Rodrigo Catril, senior FX strategist at the National…