LONDON, April 6 Reuters Sterling slipped on Tuesday as investors took some cash off the table after cable jumped to its highest point in more than two weeks as traders continued to bet on a speedy reopening of the British economy.

Versus the dollar, sterling was 0.4 lower at 1.3854 at 0859 GMT, after earlier touching 1.3919, its highest since March 19.

Bets on a speedy economic recovery, spurred by a faster COVID19 vaccination programme than the euro zones, have supported sterling over the past few months.

Sterling had its best quarter since 2015 versus the euro, gaining around 4.8.

But as traders returned from a long weekend in Europe, sterling was 0.4 lower versus the euro at 85.27 pence.

It is the reopening of London this morning that is seeing sterling under some initial pressure, as sellers have returned and taken advantage of the rally seen over the last 24 hours or so, said Stuart Cole, chief macro strategist at Equiti Capital in London.

Cole added that the selling appeared to be a mixture of profittaking and new short positions being initiated.

Market participants continued to expect further gains for the pound in the months ahead.

With the vaccine programme rolling out rapidly across the UK and infection numbers falling, British Prime Minister Boris Johnson confirmed on Monday a planned reopening of the economy would take place next week.

Shops, gyms, hairdressers and outdoor hospitality areas in England will reopen. The government was also looking at…