CBOT corn futures higher

Chicago Board of Trade corn futures ended modestly higher on Monday, following strength in soyabeans, but trade was subdued ahead of this week's Christmas holiday, brokers said.

Expectations for China to step up purchases of US agricultural goods lent support after China's finance ministry said it will lower tariffs on products ranging from frozen pork and avocado to certain semiconductors next year.

President Donald Trump said on Saturday the United States and China would "very shortly" sign their so-called Phase 1 trade pact.