Soft commodities could be saved a hard landing.

(From Lloyds List)

Byline: Economist Intelligence Unit predicts markets will tighten over next two years, writes David Osler

BRITAIN'S Economist Intelligence Unit has revised its price outlook for soft commodities following crop and market developments in recent months.

The forecasters now predict that its food, feedstuffs and beverages index will fall by just 0.6% in 2005, compared with the 7.5% decline expected three months ago.

Factors at work include speculation pushing up prices on the back of supply uncertainties for a number of commodities, with coffee, sugar and soyabeans the main beneficiaries.

'We expect most markets to …