Brexit discussions enter a new phase this week as the EU formally ratifies the stance its negotiators can take in the trade deal round of discussions. The broadly constructive approach from both sides may be helping short-term business sentiment. Broadly expectations for exports have started 2018 well above levels seen a year earlier. French sentiment, measured by INSEE, reached a net 3% of managers expectating expansion. That compares to a net negative 4% a year earlier and the highest since December 2007. British managers also became more optimistic despite a steady strengthening of th...