The EU is likely to confirm this week that Brexit talks have not made sufficient progress to move onto discussions about a future trading relationship, though the UK will be hoping it will consider a two-year transition period.

Sterling slid for a second day as the markets weighed up the potential Tory challengers to UK Prime Minister Theresa May’s leadership and warned of more “choppy” times ahead.

Sterling markets believe the UK is heading toward a hard Brexit in two years’ time and are preparing for a volatile period over the next few months.

The UK elections are getting tighter, which could mean another nervy few days this coming week for sterling traders and Irish firms depending on the currency.

Sterling fell sharply against the euro, ratcheting up the pressure on Irish firms selling goods and services across the Irish Sea following the weekend declaration by British Prime Minister Teresa May that the UK is intent on a hardline exit from the EU.

Sterling rose for the first time in four days yesterday as hedge funds and other large speculators cut their bets that the currency will fall for a second week before the Bank of England’s latest policy decision.

The pound climbed from a one-week low as a report showed the UK unemployment rate fell below 5% for the first time since 2005.

Online opinion polls in the run-up to May 5 elections across Britain overstated support for the UK Independence Party, suggesting they may also be overestimating backing for leaving the EU, according to a leading polling analyst.

It’s as if a weight is lifting from the shoulders of sterling’s traders.

UK Chancellor of the Exchequer, George Osborne, took aim at the soft drinks industry yesterday, announcing a new tax on sugary drinks.

Sterling fell to its lowest level against the dollar since 2009 but was little changed against the euro at almost 76.5 pence after Bank of England governor Mark Carney yesterday signalled a boost to UK interest rates is still some way off.

Sterling tumbled versus the euro and reversed an advance against the dollar after the Bank of England yesterday signalled there is scope to keep interest rates at a record low as inflation weakness persists.

A fund set up to help a dogs home after more than 50 of its animals were killed in a suspected arson attack has hit the £1m (€1.25m) mark.

Animal lovers have donated hundreds of thousands of pounds online following a blaze which killed more than 50 dogs.

Tulisa has met up with her secret half-brother for the first time.

Computer giant Apple launched its iPad device today, claiming it bridged the gap between the laptop and the smartphone.

BEAUTY O’Gwaun will get her crack at the big time when she tackles the Darley Irish Oaks at the Curragh on Sunday.

Ante-post favourite Sariska heads 12 confirmations for Friday’s Investec Oaks at Epsom.

POUND-euro parity is likely to happen in the next week, according to the Bank of New York, which said it is possible considering market liquidity is as thin as it is.

THE sterling crisis notched up a gear yesterday, as the pound edged closer to parity with the euro, sinking to a record for the ninth day.

Passengers had to be led to safety today after a British Airways plane flying in from China reportedly landed short of the runway at the UK’s biggest airport.

The distraught mother of Rhys Jones kissed his coffin goodbye as thousands of mourners remembered the murdered 11-year-old at his football-themed funeral today.

Liverpool have confirmed they will pay their respects to murdered 11-year-old Rhys Jones by playing the 'Z-Car's theme' ahead of tonight’s Champions League qualifying clash with Toulouse at Anfield.

Turner’s Touch proved the undoubted class act at Lingfield as he beat 13 rivals and his own demons to take the Bet Direct Freephone 0800 211 222 Banded Stakes.

John Dunlop has confirmed that Millenary is on course for an attempt at a third victory in the Princess of Wales’s Edward St George Memorial Stakes, provided the ground is not too fast.

Rodrigo Davies, Bloomberg