UK FinMin Hammond: Always optimistic that a Brexit deal would be reached

UK finance minister Philip Hammond was out on the wires in the last hour, saying that there has been a measurable change in the pace in talks over the last week and he was always optimistic that a Brexit deal could be reached. 

Additional quotes:

   •  Engagement from both sides to solve problems instead of posturing on Brexit.
   •  Still got some big differences left to resolve but process more positive this week. 
   •  The substance of Brexit talks still very challenging.