950829

Coffee

futures

end quiet

NEW YORK: CSCE arabica coffee futures ended narrowly mixed in listless trade as the market paused following its solid move higher last week, dealers said. With the London market closed for a bank holiday, many industry players elected to sit out today's session. Light local activity was seen on both sides of the market, but the key December position ended a shade below unchanged. December slipped 0.05 cent a lb on the day, 155.80 cents, after trading within a narrow range of 155.50-157.35. Spot September gained 0.30 cent, to 153.90. Ten notices were issued against September today, bringing the total so far during its delivery period to 156. Volume was estimated at 3,893 lots. Traders said December's ability to hold above 154.50 should bolster the market's already bullish tone. The contract touched a fresh two-month high last Friday amid concerns over dry weather in Brazil's coffee belt. The arrid conditions persisted over the weekend, and forecasters called for continued warm, dry weather through next Sunday in the coffee growing regions. In other news, the Colombia National Coffee Growers Federation announced it had opened coffee export registrations for itself and private exporters beginning August 28.-Reuter