Dollar mixed as US data sparks oppposite plays

* Dollar down vs yen and euro, but stronger elsewhere
* Report shows improving U.S. housing sector
* U.S. consumer confidence rises in August (Updates prices)
By Steven C. Johnson
NEW YORK, Aug 25 (Reuters) - The dollar slipped against the euro and yen on Tuesday as upbeat U.S. data and Ben Bernanke's nomination for a second term as Federal Reserve chief pushed some investors to buy higher-yielding currencies and assets.
The greenback, however, was well off its session low against the euro and managed to rise in thin trade against other major currencies, including the British pound, as differing views about how to trade strong U.S. economic data caused divergent price action.
Analysts said some saw the strong U.S. economic data as a signal to buy risky assets, while others expected it to lead to a U.S. recovery and higher interest rates, increasing the dollar's appeal.