And what would have happened if sterling had fallen?

And sterling fell to $1.8631, from $1.8673 late Tuesday.

Later in New York, sterling fell to $1.6135, from $1.6265.

In earlier London trading, sterling fell to $1.7430 from $1.7435.

In earlier London trading, sterling fell to $1.7835 from $1.7900.

Against the mark, sterling fell from 2.8505 to 2.8389, after hitting a low of 2.8280 at one stage.

In earlier London trading, sterling fell to $1.7185 from $1.7245.

The dollar also gained against the British pound as sterling fell to $1.7205 from $1.7284.

In earlier London trading, sterling fell to $1.6738 from $1.6975.

And the dollar also rose against the British pound, as sterling fell slightly, to $1.7150, from 1.7203.