71.   Grain prices finished mostly lower.

72.   However, Singapore shares prices finished slightly higher on bargain hunting.

73.   In Hong Kong, share prices finished moderately higher, although bigger early gains were wiped out by heavy selling in companies with close ties to mainland China.

74.   In Malaysia, share prices also finished lower on negative news from the region.

75.   In Malaysia, share prices finished lower on continuing concerns over the local economy and fears of more local corporate failures.

76.   Japanese stock prices finished higher Wednesday on expectations the government may offer further economic stimulus measures as a visit to Japan by President Bill Clinton approaches.

77.   Japanese stock prices finished lower Thursday amid gloomy outlook for corporate profits and rumors that a major Japanese brokerage was suffering massive losses.

78.   Japanese stock prices finished lower Friday on profit-taking following a five-day gain, while the U.S. dollar rose against the yen.

79.   Japanese stock prices finished sharply higher Thursday on expectations that a possible cut in U.S. interest rates will boost global markets.

80.   Japanese stock prices finished sharply higher Thursday on expectations that a possible cut in U.S. interest rates will favorably affect global markets.