The pound rose yesterday 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 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 summit tomorrow 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, Ms May has been locked in talks with Labour to find a modified plan that could command a majority, causing anger within her own party.

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

German imports fell 1.6 per cent month-on-month to 92.3billion euros while exports dropped 1.3 per cent 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.

Sign up to our free newsletters

Get the best updates straight to your inbox:
Please select at least one mailing list.

You can unsubscribe at any time by clicking the link in the footer of our emails. We use Mailchimp as our marketing platform. By subscribing, you acknowledge that your information will be transferred to Mailchimp for processing.