* Graphic: World FX rates in 2020 http://tmsnrt.rs/2egbfVh
* Graphic: Trade-weighted sterling since Brexit vote http://tmsnrt.rs/2hwV9Hv
LONDON, Nov 27 (Reuters) - Sterling hovered near a
three-month high on Friday, brushing off fresh talk of a
Scottish independence referendum that could wrench apart the
United Kingdom after Brexit.
Weakness in the U.S. dollar amid thin trading due to the
Thanksgiving holiday bolstered sterling, which has approached
its September high of $1.34 recently on optimism over Brexit
talks between Britain and the European Union.
Scottish leader Nicola Sturgeon said the independence vote
should take place in the earlier part of the devolved
parliament's next term, which begins next year.
Scots voted 55-45% against independence in a 2014 referendum
but both Brexit and the British government's handling of the
COVID-19 crisis have boosted support for independence among
Scots.
With five weeks left of a transition period before Britain
leaves the EU, markets anticipate a deal can be struck even
though stumbling blocks remain.
Both sides are calling on the other to compromise over
fishing, state aid and how to resolve any future disputes.
Analysts cautioned that the pound could be in for a bumpy
ride in the months ahead despite its current strength, as the
twin threats of Brexit and the Scottish vote crystallize.
"Deal or no deal, theres sure to be chaos early next year.
If that encourages people to vote to leave the UK it would be a
double blow to the currency," said Marshall Gittler, head of
investment research at BDSwiss Group, in a research note.
The pound looked set to end Friday flat at $1.336,
but slipped slightly against the euro to 89.39 pence
.
(Reporting by Lawrence White; Editing by Philippa Fletcher,
Emelia Sithole-Matarise and Jan Harvey)