Arabica coffee futures clawed back from early losses to end higher Tuesday for the third consecutive session, buoyed mainly by roasters adjusting their positions, traders and brokers said. "Roaster buying into negative territory caused the day traders to cover their short positions," said one broker, adding that small funds also had a presence in the market.

The New York Board of Trade's benchmark March arabica contract ended up 0.45 cent at 105.80 cents a lb, near the top of a 103.30 to 105.90 trading range. May gained 0.50 cent to 108.20 cents and the rest settled up 0.50 to 0.90 cent.

One trader said the spurt of buying late in the session could be followed through tomorrow.

Copyright Reuters, 2005