1.   CHILEAN stocks gained, led by a surge in telephone company Cia. de Telecomunicaciones de Chile SA, on expectations cost cutting will boost earnings.

2.   Corn prices jumped to a seven-year high, also on expectations for strong export demand.

3.   Copper was little changed, close to a one-year high, on expectations that lingering disruptions at several mines will help keep inventories low.

4.   Crude oil rose to a four-week high on expectations that lower imports will keep U.S. inventories from rising.

5.   In other markets, cattle rose to a five-week high on expectations of fewer animals sent to feedlots, and wheat rose.

6.   In NEW YORK, natural gas futures soared to a nine-month high on expectations that an early cold snap this week will boost demand.

7.   In NEW YORK, crude oil rose to a four-week high on expectations that lower imports will send U.S. inventories lower.

8.   Japanese government bond futures rose to a five-week high on growing expectation the Bank of Japan will cut the discount rate as early as today.

9.   Natural gas soared to a nine-month high on expectations that an early cold snap this week will boost demand.

10.   Pork belly futures soared to a two-week high on expectation that the reduced slaughter will reduce supplies at a time of strong demand.