The UK finance minister expressed hope for a trade agreement with the U.S. to avoid possible duties. trade agreement with the U.S. to avoid possible duties, but warned that the the country could still face negative consequences of imposed restrictions against other nations. Nevertheless, for the time being, amid the general weakening of the U.S. dollar, the pound sterling has developed a significant upward momentum. At attempts of the market to consolidate above the level of 1.2800, resistance is likely to emerge in the form of activity of sellers in the range: 1.2850-1.3000.