Sterling surges on bets UK can't afford no-deal Brexit amid Covid-19 crisis 

Prime Minister Boris Johnson meets shoppers and shopkeepers during a visit to his constituency in Uxbridge, west London.

Sterling has surged the most in six months on speculation that successful Brexit trade negotiations this week could help shield Britain from a messy rupture with the EU. 

The UK currency outperformed major currencies to rise as much as 1.4% to $1.2930, as the markets digested a more conciliatory tone from officials on both sides.