11.   Soybeans saw the heaviest trading, rising on rumors that the Brazilian government may impose an export tax on soybeans in that country.

12.   The gains came in response to a remark by Prime Minister Ryutaro Hashimoto suggesting that the government might inject public money to help the banking system.

13.   The State Department also said it was concerned that the government might forcefully breakup an opposition rally planned for Saturday.

14.   The law was railroaded through parliament in December, despite opposition charges that the government may misuse its secret police to ferret out political dissidents.