1240 GMT The gap between November and January Robusta coffee contracts has
narrowed to just $3 per ton, prompting concern from one European trader that the
market could be squeezed. The scenario follows on from a similar situation with
the July contract where traders say a short squeeze, a market phenomenon where
one player controls both futures contracts and physical coffee, occurred. The
usual result of the tactic is to push up the cost of coffee and futures
contracts in the front month above the next contract. In a typical market,
contracts increase in subsequent months, providing a "carry" profit that allows
traders to cover rent and other administrative costs of keeping coffee in
warehouses. (
Katherine.dunn@wsj.com)