US cocoa fell modestly in early trade Monday, with light pressure from the weak sterling, while arabica coffee also eased in light trade ahead of the Christmas holiday on Thursday, traders said. Arabica coffee for March delivery was down 0.20 cent at $1.1075 per lb by 9:04 am EST (1404 GMT).
Narrow trading band from $1.1025 to $1.1125. Benchmark March cocoa fell $5 to $2,590 per tonne by 9:04 am, with volume at 1,599 lots. Ranged from $2,563 to $2,606.