Global Phthalic Anhydride prices rise
International prices of Phthalic Anhydride (PAN) for FOB Mumbai increased from $340-345 per tonne in April 1999 to $470-485 per tonne in early May 1999. International prices (CFR far east Asia) of PAN increased from $321-331 per tonne in March 1999 to $377-394 per tonne in April 1999.

Inflation rate dips further to 3.67 per cent
The reduction in prices of food products triggered yet another miniscule fall in the inflation rate to touch its 85-week low of 3.67% on May 8. It was 3.70% the week earlier.

Uncertainty over September castor futures ends
The uncertainty over the September castor futures has ended as the Ahmedabad Commodity Exchange has decided to accept terms prescribed by the Forward Market Commission (FMC). The exchange has also received permission from FMC to go ahead with the September futures.

  Marketplace -- Briefing
  CIE Saga to begin with up-market department store in Mumbai
  Stock market rally is not driven by speculators, says Kothar
  Local stocks cheapest in southeast Asia
  POY prices firm on increased feedstocks
  Maleic Anhydride prices decline to $600 per tonne
  UTI to offload holdings in select firms with FI assent
  Writing, printing paper prices increase
  Spread between corporate paper and gilts has shrunk -- I-Sec
  RBI may allow bullion exporters to trade metal in global markets
  Tea Board forms auction sub-committee
  Silver shows best price performance in 1998
  Gold ends firmer on short-squaring
  Gold prices show firm trend this year -- WGC
  Galvanised sheets up on pre-monsoon demand
  Kochi pepper up on tight supply
  Unloading of potato in cold storages starts a month ahead of schedule
  Slide in edible oil prices to continue
  Levies on imported sugar to benefit Centre, industry
  Russian absence may dent tea exports
  Vietnam coffee growers enter London market
  CSCE coffee futures settle lower after a major rally