Sterling edges above 1.35 against dollar

Sterling tilted higher away from 2018 lows versus the dollar, following earlier data from the US, and amid a lack thereof from Britain. 

As of 04:00 GMT, GBP/USD rose 0.16% to 1.3508 from the opening of 1.3486, with an intraday high at 1.3569, and a low at 1.3475. 

UK Prime Minister Theresa May said earlier that Britain will leave the customs union with the European Union and discuss a new partnership with the EU later. 

Earlier US data showed unemployment claims rose 11 thousand to 222 thousand from 211 thousand, above estimates of 216 thousand, while continuing claims fell 87 thousand in the week ending May 5 to 1.707 million from 1.794 million, as analysts expected 1.780 million.

The Philly Manufacturing Index rose to 34.4 in May from 23.2 in April, beating forecasts of 21.1, while the CB leading index is expected to have risen 0.4% in April, up from 0.3% in March.