Sterling hits $1.40 for first time since Brexit vote

Upswing in global growth bumps up the pound as UK economy proves resilient despite concerns over leaving the EU

The pound has reached its highest levels since before the Brexit vote, as a Guardian analysis of economic news over the past month shows the economy benefiting from an upswing in global growth.

Sterling surged against the dollar on Wednesday, extending gains in the past month to hit more than $1.40 for the first time since the June 2016 referendum, after fresh figures showed employment hitting its highest levels since the 1970s when modern records began.

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