Sterling settles higher after May's Brexit speech

Sterling tilted higher in American trade against the greenback after UK Prime Minister Theresa May's Brexit speech before Parliament, and following earlier data from the US. 

As of 04:58 GMT, GBP/USD rose 0.06% to 1.3161, with a session-high at 1.3182, and a low at 1.3082. 

US Prime Minister Theresa May touted progress in Brexit negotiations with the EU, calling for a more realistic approach to the remaining issues, while ruling out setting up customs barriers with Ireland. 

May noted the EU has agreed on reviewing UK propositions for Irish borders, asserting this particular issue shouldn't be the one impeding the Brexit deal. 

Otherwise, earlier US data showed retail sales rose 0.1%, same as August and missing estimates of 0.7%, while core prices fell 0.1%, missing estimates of a 0.4% addition. 

The Empire State Manufacturing index rose to 21.1 from 19 in August, besting estimates of 20.4, while wholesale inventories rose 0.5%, adding to the 0.6% increase in July.