1.   German bonds, typically buoyed by forecasts of slow growth, were trading higher.

2.   Petroleum prices were buoyed by forecasts of increased demand and tight supplies, analysts said.

3.   Prices also were buoyed by forecasts for hot, dry weather next week in the Midwest, where most U.S. soybeans are grown.

4.   Soybean futures jumped again on the Chicago Board of Trade, buoyed by forecasts for extreme heat and dryness in key growing regions of South America next week.

5.   Grains and soy products were up Wednesday on the Chicago Board of Trade, buoyed by forecasts calling for unfavourable harvest weather.

6.   The market is still buoyed by forecasts of a reduction in the Indian harvest, the most important in the world.