UPDATE 1-Turkish assets firm on foreign strength

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ISTANBUL, Feb 14 (Reuters) - Turkish assets strengthened on Thursday, boosted by gains in global markets after strong U.S. data, while investors looked ahead to an expected 25 basis point rate cut from Turkey's central bank at 1700 GMT.

Supermarket chain Migros MIGRS.IS fell 3.5 percent after Koc Holding KCHOL.IS announced the sale of a 50.8 percent stake in the company to BC Partners for 1.98 billion lira ($1.7 billion)

Turkey's lira <IYIX=> closed the day 0.5 percent firmer at 1.1935 against the dollar from Thursday's close of 1.2000.

"With better markets abroad investors are buying into the Turkish equity market so some carry trades are returning. Even with an interest rate cut, Turkey is still an attractive market," said a foreign currency trader.

The central bank's Monetary Policy Committee is expected to cut key interest rates 25 basis points on Thursday, which would bring the benchmark borrowing rate to 15.25 percent and the benchmark lending rate to 19.25 percent.

Global markets were generally stronger after U.S. data showed higher retail sales last month, following an anaemic January jobs report and a shrinking services sector.

Turkey's main stock index .XU100 ended the day 1.66 percent higher.