DTN Early Word Grains 12/24 05:49 Grain Markets are Mixed to Higher, Supported by Strong Export Demand March corn is down 1/4 cent per bushel, January soybeans are up 3 1/2 cents, March KC wheat is steady, March Chicago wheat is down 1 1/4 cents and March Minneapolis wheat is up 1 1/2 cents. Kent Beadle, DTN Contributing Analyst EARLY MORNING GLOBEX NET CHANGES: March corn is down 1/4 cent per bushel, January soybeans are up 3 1/2 cents, March KC wheat is steady, March Chicago wheat is down 1 1/4 cents and March Minneapolis wheat is up 1 1/2 cents. CME GLOBEX RECAP: World equity markets are mixed and quiet after Monday's session, which saw a choppy trade but ultimately resulted in a slightly higher close in the U.S. Several traders are looking toward a "Santa-Claus" rally that frequently occurs at this time of the year as traders' position for 2025. Monday's economic data was weaker than anticipated with consumer confidence, durable goods, and new home sales, all below pre-report expectations. Weaker economic data is sometimes seen as positive for the equity markets as it may help the Fed continue to cut interest rates. In China, markets are being supported by a new stimulus announcement in the form of a "special" issuance of bonds to provide liquidity for consumer loans and new spending. OUTSIDE MARKETS: Previous close Monday showed the Dow Jones Industrial Average up 66.69 at 42,906.95 and the S&P 500 up 43.22 at 5,974.07, The 10-Year Treasury yield ended at 4.599%. Early Tuesday, the March Dow Jones Futures are steady. European markets are mixed with the spot futures of London's FTSE 100 trading up 0.57%, spot futures of Germany's DAX is trading down 0.44% and the spot futures of France's CAC 40 Index up 0.56%. Asian markets are mixed with Japan's Nikkei 225 Index down 0.32% and China's Shanghai Composite Index up 1.26%.