EU Brexit negotiator Barnier begins long-awaited press conference 19 March

  • much of the treaty is now agreed
  • we are not at the end of the road
  • complete accord on financial settlement and citizens rights
  • expat citizens can now be assured on Brexit terms
  • we have transition deal

Watch Barnier live here.

GBP liking the tone of it so far with GBPUSD up to 1.4059 EURGBP down to 0.8746 and GBPJPY 149.30 dragging USDJPY up through 106.20

UK gilts futures down 20 ticks, 2-year gilt yield hits 0.86%, a new post-Brexit referendum high.