Rate is two-way and firmer due to cross-spreaders liquidating EURO-Sterling; repatriation also lending to the firm tone. Rate is likely to have a knee-jerk reaction to more rate cuts due later in the week but with a new 2008 low late in the month last month the probabilities are good that any rate cut is factored in.

Rate sees upside stops cleared around the 1.4550 area in light trade but no follow-through as of yet. Toolbox signals a trend sell as active from late in December likely running out of steam around the 1.4400 area so if holding shorts be nimble.

The USD is on the offense this morning for the most part as the first full day of post-holiday trading gets underway in New York. Overnight was a mixed bag for the Greenback as early weakness in index futures put a bit of downward pressure on the USD/JPY and mixed pressure on EURO and Cable; thin conditions were reported in Asia as a half-day holiday was seen in Japan. The volumes remained thinner into European trade but the main focus was the EURO-Sterling cross as the rate corrected from lifetime highs late last year; rumors that a large investment house would need Cable to meet funding needs as well as repatriation by oil companies supported the GBP into early New York scoring a 1.4581 high print in late European action.