21.   Soybeans also retreated after opening fractionally higher.

22.   The rally appeared to continue early Thursday in some Asian markets, with the main stock barometers in Taiwan, Singapore and Seoul opening higher.

23.   Tokyo share prices turned mixed after opening slightly higher.

24.   Wheat prices declined slightly after opening higher in carryover from gains on Monday, when the Agriculture Department reported continued poor winter wheat crop conditions in Kansas and Oklahoma.

25.   Wheat inched lower after opening slightly higher.

26.   Wheat slipped despite expectations for a higher opening, retreating for the second time this week on the heels of a big gain the previous day.

27.   After opening higher, Tokyo share prices gained further ground later on buying by investment trusts and Japanese institutional investors.

28.   And a higher Wall Street opening on Friday helped.

29.   Traders said the market had been encouraged by a higher Wall Street opening on Monday.

30.   Traders said a higher Wall Street opening on Monday had also helped the London market.