RTRS:UPDATE 2-Brent holds steady above $108 as China offsets Cyprus worries
* China manufacturing growth picks up in March
* Cyprus scrambles to avert financial meltdown
* U.S. crude stocks fall first time in 9 weeks - EIA
* Coming up: U.S. Initial jobless claims; 1230 GMT (Updates prices)
By Florence Tan
SINGAPORE, March 21 (Reuters) - Brent crude held steady above $108 a barrel on Thursday as China manufacturing data pointed to a better fuel demand outlook in the world's second largest oil user, offsetting lingering worries about contagion in the euro zone from Cyprus's woes.
