21.   Dealers noted that notwithstanding this monetary influence, the rubber mart remained quiet this week.

22.   Dealers noted that the prospect of a bumper Brazilian harvest had been weighing on sugar prices for some weeks now.

23.   Dealers noted that the rand has been closely tracking the greenback as small batches of dollars from offshore continue to trickle into the market.

24.   Dealers also noted all talk of central bank intervention keeping the dollar firm on the downside had disappeared from the market and intervention during a correction was not expected.

25.   Dealers also noted that COMEX warehouse stocks in the US appeared to be recovering from the low point of their cycle.

26.   Dealers noted an official denial of rumours that Juppe might resign because of controversy over arrangements for housing for members of his family.

27.   Dealers noted central Reserve Bank intervention and good two-way movement in the second session on Wednesday but predicted quiet pre-Christmas trading on Thursday.

28.   Dealers noted mounting takeover speculation in the retailing and pharmaceutical sectors.

29.   Dealers noted that chocolate producers were currently scarce, leaving the market open to investment funds, leading to a slight erosion in prices.

30.   Dealers noted that prices on the French market had firmed because of buying by one trader and in anticipation of a big order from China.