Arabica coffee prices rose almost 4 percent on Thursday, as traders squared positions before Friday's market holiday and funds continued to see merit in owning coffee futures because of concerns about supply. US financial markets will be closed Friday to observe Christmas Eve. The New York Board of Trade's benchmark March contract settled at 105.10 cents a lb, up 3.85 cents, or 3.8 percent.
It dealt from 101.80 to 106.70 cents. May rose 3.95 cents to 107.35 cents a lb. Contracts at the back of the board rose from 4.00 to 4.25 cents.