Sterling powers through 1.39 against dollar

Sterling rose for the sixth straight session to near the highest since June 24, 2016 against the dollar, following earlier data from the US, the world's largest economy, and amid a lack thereof from Britain. 

As of 04:54 GMT, GBP/USD rose 0.52% to 1.3903 from the opening of 1.3831, with an intraday high at 1.3913, and a low at 1.3805. 

Earlier US data showed building permits steadied at an annualized 1.30 million units in December, same as November, and beating expectations of 1.29 million. 

US housing starts fell to an annualized 1.19 million units in December from 1.30 million in November, missing projections of 1.28 million units. 

US unemployment claims fell to 220 thousand in the week ending January 13, the lowest since March 1973, down from the previous reading's 261K, beating expectations of 250K. 

The Philadelphia Fed Business Outlook Survey, also called the Philadelphia Fed Manufacturing Index, dipped in January to 22.2 from 26.2 in December, missing forecasts of 24.9.