• GBP$ firm in NY afternoon trading, +0.18% at 1.3412; NorAm range 1.3414-1.3389

• Pair remains anchored to 1.34, after falling from European session high 1.3430

• Despite pickup in Mideast tensions oil falls 2% may tell true story of peace outlook

• No changes in Fed, BoE rate expectations after IJC data indicates steady US labor mkt

• GBP's recent bid hints significant IMM net spec short unwinding

• GBP$ res 1.3430 Thursday high, 1.3460 daily cloud top, 1.3513 upper 30-d Bolli

• Supt 1.3381 Thursday low, 1.3323 rising 10-DMA, 1.3276 daily low July 2

GBP Chart:


(Paul.Spirgel is a Reuters market analyst. The views expressed are his own)