'Sterling will be strongest in 2011'; FTSE to rise 18%

Barcap, the securities arm of the retail bank, also used its 2011 outlook to predict equities will outperform government bonds and the US economy will stage a stronger recovery than in 2010, the Telegraph reports. The pound, which has been hard hit since the financial crisis, will end next year at $1.82 against the dollar and 78p versus the euro, it was estimated. The currency closed on Thursday in London at $1.5728 and 84p. The UK currency's performance will be matched by a strong showing for the FTSE 100, which Barcap expects to rise by about 18% next year and offer a further 4% ret...