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The pound reached the highest level in almost seven months as traders stepped up bets on a win for the Conservatives in next week’s election.
The currency pushed above $1.30 Wednesday as polls show the ruling Tories holding their lead over Jeremy Corbyn’s left-wing Labour Party. Sterling also advanced against all major peers as U.S. President Donald Trump’s visit to the U.K. unfolded comparatively smoothly, defying speculation his presence could undermine Prime Minister Boris Johnson.
Investors see a Conservative majority on Dec. 12 as the most market-positive outcome, as it would allow Johnson to push his Brexit deal through Parliament in time for next month’s deadline and move on to the next phase of talks with the European Union. Trump’s visit had been seen as a risk for the Conservatives, who face questions over how the National Health Service would fare in any future trade deal with the U.S.
“With just over a week to go, sterling remains highly influenced by the polls day-to-day, but we may also be seeing some relief that Trump did not toss a grenade into the U.K. political system during his remarks,” said Ned Rumpeltin, European head of currency strategy at Toronto-Dominion Bank. “A break above the October high at $1.3013 may open the door for a test of $1.3185.”
The pound gained 0.4% to $1.3042, the highest since May 10. It rallied 0.3% to 85.05 pence per euro.