The dollar held steady on Wednesday, hovering near a six-week peak against a basket of currencies, as encouraging U.S. economic data reinforced expectations that the Federal Reserve would cut back its stimulus this month. The greenback, which gained against the euro for a sixth straight session, was also sought for its status as a safe-haven on uncertainty surrounding a possible U.S.-led attack on Syria. The dollar index was down 0.1 percent at 82.294, but still close to Tuesday's peak of 82.516, which was its highest since July 22. The dollar continuted to be supported by Tuesday's strong data on the U.S. manufacturing sector that firmed bets the Fed will begin tapering at its policy meeting on Sept. 17-18, unless the U.S. payroll numbers due on Friday fall short of forecasts. The dollar was flat against the yen at 99.56 yen, having tested a one-month high of 99.86 yen on Tuesday. The euro was flat at $1.3174, not far from Tuesday's trough of $1.3137, its lowest since late July.

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