Investing.com - Sterling jumped Tuesday as U.K PM Theresa May outlined a "hard Brexit" approach.
But May insisted that the UK wants to maintain strong ties with a successful EU.
She said Britain may be leaving the EU but "not Europe."
The pound was up 2.02% at $1.2292 at 07:45 ET. It was up 1.0% at €1.1479.
May ruled out remaining in the single market but would seek a new customs deal with the EU.
The PM also said she intends to put Brexit to a parliamentary vote and called for UK unity to be strengthened.
She said she would not give a "blow-for-blow" account of the UK's negotiating position with the EU.