GBP/AUD rose by 0.3% today, with the pairing currently trading around AU$1.785. Von der Leyen added "I am glad to report that issues linked to governance now have largely been resolved. The next days are going to be decisive." As a result, GBP investors are now more confident that progress in UK-EU negotiations could result in a trade agreement between the two sides ahead of January 1st, 2021. In UK economic news, today saw the release of the flash Services PMI for December rise to 49.9. Chris Williamson, the Chief Business Economist at IHS Markit, commented: ‘Business optimism about the year ahead also remained buoyant, reflecting the light at the end of the tunnel created by the roll-out of the COVID-19 vaccines. Optimism waned slightly compared to November, however, largely due to rising concerns over a no-deal Brexit.’