Upbeat data helps sterling score first rise of 2017

By Marc Jones LONDON (Reuters) - Sterling posted its first daily rise against the dollar of 2017 on Wednesday, climbing back above $1.23 as upbeat business and consumer data, and a pause in the U.S. currency's upward march, pulled the pound up from a two-month low. The early departure of Britain's ambassador to the European Union on Tuesday, and the prickly tone of his resignation letter, added to concerns of a rocky period ahead for sterling as Britain prepares to launch formal talks on leaving