Pound edges higher at start of Brexit-heavy week

The pound rose on Monday as investors weighed the risks of another Brexit-themed week, with many willing to bet money on another, perhaps long extension to proceedings.

In stock trading, Frankfurt was under pressure from poor German data, but other European equity markets reversed an earlier negative trend, while Wall Street stumbled at the opening bell.

“The pound is edging higher at the start of what could be a decisive week for the currency with Brexit once more at the front and centre of traders’ minds,” said David Cheetham, an analyst at XTB.

“With the UK government asking for another extension… the most likely outcome seems to be that this will be granted by the other 27 EU members but the chances of a no-deal are creeping higher,” he said.

Prime Minister Theresa May will press ahead Monday with her bid for a Brexit “compromise” with the opposition despite a backlash from her own party, as she attempts to prevent Britain crashing out of the European Union this week.

Talks with the Labour Party are expected ahead of a crucial EU Wednesday summit that could see Britain leave the bloc as early as Friday, if no further delay is agreed.

Having failed three times to get her own withdrawal deal through parliament, May has been locked in talks with Labour to find a modified plan that could command a majority, causing anger within her own party.

– ‘Sagging’ German data –

German data showing falling imports and exports in February spoiled the Monday mood in the eurozone and added to concerns about the health of the eurozone’s biggest economy which is heavily-trade dependent.

German imports fell 1.6 percent month-on-month to 92.3 billion euros ($103.6 billion) while exports dropped 1.3 percent to 110.9 billion, federal statistics authority Destatis said.

IG analyst Joshua Mahony called the date “sagging” and said that “with both exports and imports falling for the European powerhouse, a worsening picture becomes apparent for the eurozone flagship economy”.

Asian indices traded mixed but investors remain broadly upbeat after a strong US jobs report that eased concerns about the world’s top economy.

The US created 196,000 net new jobs last month, beating expectations, with moderate wage inflation easing pressure on the Federal Reserve to tighten monetary policy.

In commodities, oil prices extended last week’s gains as an escalation of unrest in crude-rich Libya raised the prospect of a further tightening of supplies.

Both main contracts are enjoying a rally thanks to output cuts by OPEC and other producers led by Russia, as well as sanctions on Iran and Venezuela.

– Key figures around 1530 GMT –

London – FTSE 100: UP 0.2 percent at 7,458.30 points

Frankfurt – DAX 30: DOWN 0.2 percent at 11,980.43

Paris – CAC 40: FLAT at 5,478.43

EURO STOXX 50: DOWN 0.1 percent at 3,443.13

New York – Dow: DOWN 0.5 percent at 26,291.35

Pound/dollar: UP at $1.3055 from $1.3038 at 2100 GMT on Friday

Euro/pound: UP at 86.27 pence from 86.04 pence

Euro/dollar: UP at $1.1261 from $1.1216

Dollar/yen: DOWN at 111.37 yen from 111.73 yen

Tokyo – Nikkei 225: DOWN 0.2 percent at 21,761.65 (close)

Hong Kong – Hang Seng: UP 0.5 percent at 30,077.15 (close)

Shanghai – Composite: DOWN 0.1 percent at 3,244.81 (close)

Oil – Brent Crude: UP 10 cents at $70.44 per barrel

Oil – West Texas Intermediate: UP 8 cents at $63.16

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