Agricultural futures

MAIZE prices yesterday rose the most since October.

White maize for March delivery rose 3.1 percent to R2 644 a ton on the SA Futures Exchange, its biggest jump since October 21. Yellow maize for July delivery advanced 3.7 percent to R2 035 a ton, its largest gain since October 12.

US farmers rated their confidence in agriculture with an index score of 109.8, compared with 107.7 in September, according to a survey-based index produced by DTN/THE Progressive Farmer. The benchmark of 100 is based on sentiment in April 2010, when the survey was inaugurated. – Bloomberg