The pair closed in NY Friday at $1.5037, after rate had been pressed to lows of $1.5032 as the dollar gained a major boost from the release of better than forecast US employment data with analysts bringing in their calls for a potential US rate hike. Focus now on removal of the word ‘patient’ from FOMC Minutes, though the Fed has warned this will not necessarily signal an imminent hike, just ready on the trigger. Markets were generally led lower by the reaction in euro-dollar, euro-sterling eased to stg0.7182 but struggled to maintain, closing the week back at stg0.7208. Cable came under fresh pressure into early Asia, the rate posting lows at $1.5025 before it recovered through the balance of the session to $1.5067, holding firm into Europe. Euro-sterling consolidated Friday’s moves between stg0.7194/0.72055. A light UK data calendar today with attention on the Euro area FinMin meeting and discussions concerning Greek reform proposals. Traders see room for further downside in the cross but May’s General Election is putting a dampener on sterling longs. BOE Carney speaks to the Lords Economic Affairs Committee Tues, UK Mfg prod Weds and Carney again Thursday the domestic highlights for the week.