* Graphic: World FX rates in 2020 http://tmsnrt.rs/2egbfVh
* Graphic: Trade-weighted sterling since Brexit vote http://tmsnrt.rs/2hwV9Hv
LONDON, 20 Nov (Reuters) - Sterling edged higher against the
euro and the dollar after an European Union official said the
bloc and Britain are very close to agreement on most issues even
if they are still at odds over three main points.
Britain left the EU in January and it is in talks with the
bloc on a future trading relationship, as a transition period
ends on 31 December.
As time runs out for a trade deal, an EU official told
ambassadors in Brussels that the EU and Britain are "both close"
to reaching an agreement but differences persist over fishing
rights, guarantees of fair competition and ways to solve future
disputes.
"For some weeks GBP has been supported by the view that some
kind of deal will be announced this month. This is still the
favoured outlook, though scope for any relief rally is set to be
limited by the likelihood that any deal will be a skeleton one",
said Jane Foley, head of FX Strategy at Rabobank.
After being flat in earlier trade, the pound gained 0.2%
versus to stand at 89.31 pence per euro at 0940 GMT.
Versus the dollar, it was up about 0.1% at $1.3282..
Foley said that not only Brexit, but also COVID-19 have
created some volatility for the British currency as "chief EU
negotiator Barnier finds himself in a position in which he needs
to self-isolate."
Chief Brexit negotiators suspended direct talks on Thursday
after a member of the EU team tested positive for COVID-19, but
officials continued working remotely to clinch a trade deal that
would come into force in just six weeks.
Analysts at ING said that there is scope on the upside for
sterling against the dollar, while they saw limited upside
versus the euro given the lack of a "material announcement on
the negotiations".
Foley added that if "no compromise is announced next week,
growing fears about a no trade deal situation are likely to
creep back into the market leaving GBP vulnerable".
(Editing by Simon Cameron-Moore)