"We are prepared to offer a partnership.......>

FOREX: "We are prepared to offer a partnership with Britain such as has never

been with any other third country" were the words that supported GBP on

Wednesday, as EU Brexit negotiator Barnier's comments allowed cable to finish

above $1.30 as mkts started to price in the chance of a more favourable outcome

to UK/EU Brexit negotiations. Subsequent comments from the German Foreign

Ministry briefly weighed, as it noted that there will be no special rules for

the UK post-Brexit, but the rate went on to make fresh highs in late dealing.

GBP's rally puts the pair just shy of the 50-DMA ($1.3046). EUR/GBP eased below

GBP0.9000. GBP's rally put the DXY on the back foot against its G10 peers, with

the index closing lower for the 9th time in 10 sessions. The USD drop prompted

EUR/USD to reclaim $1.17 after easing to $1.1652 at the NY crossover.

- Westpac's mortgage rate move weighed on AUD throughout the day, which saw the

Aussie underperform its G10 peers. AUD/NZD now eyes the 100- & 200-DMAs at

NZ$1.0848 & NZ$1.0844 respectively.

- Thursday brings German state & national CPI, Canadian GDP, U.S. personal

income/spending numbers & Australian CapEx.