CBOT corn ticks lower on thin trade, robust exports

Dec 29 - Chicago Board of Trade corn futures fell Monday on trader positioning before the New Year holiday and the ongoing brisk pace of U.S. exports.

• The U.S. Department of Agriculture reported weekly corn export inspections for the week ended Dec. 25 at 1,301,211 metric tons, down from 1,747,372 metric tons last week, but up from 907,565 metric tons at this time last year.

• Trade was limited between the Christmas and New Year holidays, with traders booking profits and exiting the market, said analysts.

• CBOT March corn CH26 settled 7-3/4 cents lower at $4.42-1/4 per bushel.