LONDON, Jan 26 Reuters The U.S. dollar edged lower versus major currencies on Friday ahead of key inflation data later in the day, as traders weighed how the U.S. economy39;s faster than expected growth would influence Federal Reserve thinking on interest rate policy.

Data on Thursday showed the world39;s largest economy grew more than forecast in the fourth quarter at 3.3 and showed price pressures were easing, adding to speculation the Fed would be in no rush to cut interest rates.

U.S. personal consumption expenditures data the Fed39;s preferred gauge of inflation is due out at 1330 GMT on Friday.

The European Central Bank ECB held rates as expected on Thursday, and comments from its president Christine Lagarde that seemed less worried about the inflation outlook added to bets on a rate cut in April.

The dollar index, which measures the greenback against a basket of six major currencies, was last down 0.25 on the day at 103.24.

Currency analysts at MUFG said in a note that Thursday39;s U.S. economic data presented a mixed picture for monetary policy, ahead of the Fed39;s next policy statement on January 31.

…the strong end to the year must surely place further doubt on the scope for the Fed to commence its easing cycle by March. But March still remains feasible primarily due to the very favourable inflation data within the GDP report, the note said.

The euro was last up 0.3 at 1.08750 , having drifted 0.3 lower earlier in the session to a fresh sixweek low…