Gilts look set to conclude a...........>

GILT SUMMARY: Gilts look set to conclude a volatile week with a strong finale.

- After making steady gains for most of Friday, Mar 19 Gilt futures are up 28

ticks at 123.61. For all the political drama this week, this is only 25 ticks

higher than last week`s close.

- The 2-Yr yield is down 4.6bps at 0.727%, 5-Yr is down 4.9bps at 0.866%, 10-Yr

is down 5bps at 1.239%, and 30-Yr is down 3.7bps at 1.801%.

- PM May sounded typically defiant at a press conference following the European

Council meeting, in which she appears to have obtained nothing in the way of

amendments to the withdrawal bill (as expected).

- One potential glimmer of optimism is BBC noting May has had reassurances on

the backstop since the Summit`s conclusions were released, including with Tusk,

Juncker, Rutte, Merkel and Macron.

- But looking like no real progress likely until after the holidays.

- Data has been slow this week, but picks up with a heavy flow next week that

includes Nov inflation, retail sales, GDP, and public sector finances.

- Additionally, BoE monpol decision and statement next Thursday.