Sterling rises even as BoE cuts rates, Britain poised for US trade deal

LONDON, May 8 (Reuters) - The pound rose on Thursday, after the Bank of England delivered a widely expected cut to interest rates, just as Britain was poised to strike a deal with the United States on trade.

The BoE cut its main rate by a quarter point to 4.25%, despite an unexpected three-way split among policymakers as U.S. President Donald Trump's tariffs weigh on global economic growth.

The pound GBP=D3 was last up 0.2% on the day at $1.3311, having rallied from a session low of $1.3242 right before the BoE decision.

UK stocks .FTSE, .FTMC pared some of the day's gains, but still showed a gain, with midcap stocks up 1%, outpacing the blue-chip index, which rose 0.2%.

UK government bonds came under pressure, sending 10-year yields GB10YT=RR up 3.5 bps on the day to 4.491%, from 4.446% right before the BoE decision.

Graphic: World FX rates in 2023 http://tmsnrt.rs/2egbfVh

Graphic: Trade-weighted sterling since Brexit vote http://tmsnrt.rs/2hwV9Hv