The pair managed to extend its 2013 highs to $1.6580 on the last trading day of the year Tuesday, the rate touching a high of $1.6580 before it eased off to $1.6530 in late thin trade ahead of the new year celebrations. Rate recovered to $1.6563 in continued thin trade into Asia Thursday (NZ and Japan closed) with early demand able to take rate through its 2013 high and on to $1.6592. A dip to $1.6575 quickly attracted further demand that edged rate back to retest its early highs before picking up more demand as rate targeted the reported barrier at $1.6600. Stops through the figure extended the move to $1.6605 into Europe’s open, with rate slowly easing back under the figure atwriting. Trading rooms should begin to see a return to full staff after the holidays, though most expect normality to return Monday. Focus today will be on EZ mfg PMI releases (starting with Spain at 0813GMT), with the UK release coming at 0928GMT. US weekly jobless claims to follow at 1330GMT along with US PMI and ISM at 1358GMT/1500GMT respectively. Cable offers now seen at $1.6605, stronger into $1.6620 with next barrier noted at $1.6650. Support seen back at $1.6580 ahead of $1.6550 and $1.6530/20
