1.   Perceptions that demand is exceeding expectations also generated buying enthusiasm.

2.   An absence of news failed to extend earlier buying enthusiasm about the harsh weather in winter wheat-growing areas without protective cover, which leaves crops more vulnerable.

3.   Benign growing conditions in South America dampened buying enthusiasm.

4.   But buying enthusiasm was limited, with weekly export sales about as expected.

5.   Buying enthusiasm was also dampened by jobless figures that showed that unemployment is still an issue.

6.   Expectations that the U.S. Department of Agriculture would cut crop ratings underpinned the buying enthusiasm.

7.   Good crop-growing weather in South America was the latest factor dampening any buying enthusiasm in the market.

8.   Merger news generated buying enthusiasm.

9.   The USDA data on corn stocks and acreage helped feed buying enthusiasm.

10.   Uneasiness about interest rates, however, tempered the buying enthusiasm on Wall Street.