LONDON: The pound slipped Tuesday awaiting key votes on Prime Minister Boris Johnson's EU withdrawal bill, but analysts said its downside was capped by broad optimism that a no-deal Brexit will be avoided.
Global stock markets meanwhile rose on growing expectations that China and the United States will sign a partial trade deal next month.
Sterling's modest decline came a day after a five-month peak at $1.3013, struck after parliament forced Johnson to request another extension to Britain's scheduled exit from the European Union.
The pound switched hands at $1.2914 Tuesday, down from $1.2960 late in New York on Monday.
"The pound has dipped a little but remains well supported on the whole and not too far from recent highs," noted David Cheetham at XTB.
- 'Fool's errand' -
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But it was also clear that traders were largely flying blind, with political proceedings difficult to call.
"If the whole Brexit process has taught us anything it is that trying to predict the next political development is something of a fool's errand," he said.
Johnson published his hotly awaited withdrawal agreement bill (WAB) late on Monday, with just over a week to go until Brexit on October 31.
"The Brexit saga rumbles on today as MPs debate and vote on the WAB in what is likely to be the first of a few excruciating and long sessions in parliament," said Oanda analyst Craig Erlam.
Johnson faces two crucial Brexit votes that could decide if he still has a reasonable shot at securing his EU divorce by next week's deadline.
Firstly, the Conservative leader hopes parliament gives initial support to a Brexit bill that translates the revised withdrawal agreement he struck with Brussels last week into UK law.
Secondly, he also hopes the lower House of Commons will vote in favour of a speedy timescale to pass the entire legislation in just three days.
- 'Displeasure' -
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The rapid timetable -- a big ask for a 110-page text designed to unwind 46 years of intricate EU-UK ties -- has sparked outcry from opposition lawmakers.
"The main events of the day will likely come this evening, after the stock market here in London has closed, with parliament set for two key votes on Brexit," said XTB analyst David Cheetham.
Even if the withdrawal bill "passes there's a fair chance that a vote on the timetable shortly afterwards will fail.
"Several MPs have already voiced their displeasure at the lack of time to scrutinise the bill," he added.
At the same time, Johnson has been forced by parliament to request a three-month extension that European leaders will consider once they get a clearer picture of this week's parliamentary votes.
- Trade hopes -
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Global stock markets meanwhile received some support from easing trade war concerns amid "growing expectations that the US and China may finally clinch a partial deal at next month's APEC meeting in Chile", said Ipek Ozkardeskaya at London Capital Group.
US President Donald Trump reinforced hopes Monday that he and Xi Jinping will be able to put pen to paper on a mini pact, saying China had already started promised purchases of farm goods, and that the first part of a wider commitment was almost complete.
"We'll be able to, we think, sign a completed document with China on phase one," Trump said at the White House, adding they would then move on to the next phases.
- Key figures around 1330 GMT -
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Pound/dollar: DOWN at $1.2914 from $1.2960 at 2100 GMT on Monday
Euro/pound: UP at 86.18 pence from 86.03 pence
Euro/dollar: DOWN at $1.1129 from $1.1150
Dollar/yen: DOWN at 108.53 yen from 108.62 yen
London - FTSE 100: UP 0.8 percent at 7,217.90 points
Paris - CAC 40: FLAT at 5,647.52
Frankfurt - DAX 30: FLAT at 12,749.31
EURO STOXX 50: FLAT at 3,601.59
New York - Dow: UP 0.1 percent at 26,848.05
Hong Kong - Hang Seng: UP 0.2 percent at 26,786.20 (close)
Shanghai - Composite: UP 0.5 percent at 2,954.38 (close)
Tokyo - Nikkei 225: Closed for a holiday
Brent North Sea crude: UP 0.9 percent at $59.47 per barrel
West Texas Intermediate: UP 1.0 percent at $54.02