960413

CBOT rice

futures firm

CHICAGO: CBOT rice futures closed quietly firm in a mild recovery after the market was hit Thursday by USDA's supply/demand report, traders said on Friday.

"Just a little bounce here and up a little on the wheat gains," a trader said.

Rice Thursday was hit by long liquidation amid an increase by USDA in its estimate for 1995-96 U.S. carryout for long grain rice.

Rice closed 1/2 to two cents per cwt higher, with May up two at $9.56.-Reuter