61.   But the lower prices boosted consumer demand and inbound tourism arrivals.

62.   Chemical powerhouses Bayer and BASF both rose in Frankfurt, with investors hoping lower oil prices might boost profits.

63.   Higher futures prices boosted Tokyo stocks in early trading Thursday, while the U.S. dollar fell against the yen.

64.   Rising futures prices also boosted investor sentiment.

65.   The bond market is a bit weak this morning, however, after reports showed continued strong consumer spending in March, even as energy prices boosted wholesale inflation.

66.   The new fuel prices already have boosted taxi fares and the price of many goods transported by truck.

67.   The lower prices likely boosted physical demand for soybean products, said analyst Dale Gustafson at Smith Barney Inc.