Pound up for third week against dollar

The pound climbed for a third week against the dollar, the longest stretch of gains since November, as reports fueled optimism that the UK's economic recovery is gathering pace. Sterling also gained against the euro as the Centre for Economic and Business Research raised its forecast for UK growth in the next two years.

Reports this week showed exports surged in February and house values increased last month. The currency pared its weekly gain yesterday as polls after the UK's first televised campaign debate signalled no party has enough support for a clear majority at the May election.