-UK PM May upped the ante Friday by vocally...>

FOREX: -UK PM May upped the ante Friday by vocally criticising the EU's approach

to Brexit negotiations. May criticised Brussels' lack of flexibility and

creativity following the rebuttal of her 'third way' solution to Brexit,

appearing to place the ball back in the EU's court for progress. GBP disapproved

of the renewed belligerence, slipping sharply against all other G10 FX, and

recording the largest loss against the USD in almost a year. The moved sapped

risk appetite somewhat, pressing EUR and AUD away from recent highs and

prompting a minor recovery in the JPY and CHF.

-HKD held gains registered in the Asia session, marking the largest intraday

rally for 15 years. Rising local rates, looming market holidays and a sharp

short squeeze are being blamed for the move. Further fallout, so far, has been

contained.

-Data picks up from Monday, with German IFO and CPIs due, the latest Fed rate

decision and speeches from ECB, BoE, BoJ and Fed central bankers.