CBOT soybean futures are trading in a bottom-range pattern, with U.S. soybeans expected to fluctuate within the 11601190 cents/bushel range in the short term. The rebound in overseas markets was capped mainly by improved rainfall forecasts for production areasweather models indicate that Missouri and southern Illinois will become the center of a new round of rainfall in the coming days. This period is currently the critical pod-filling stage for soybeans, and the precipitation bodes well for yield prospects. However, fairly robust U.S. soybean export demand and relatively low crop condition ratings are providing support for prices. The latest USDA crop progress report showed the good-to-excellent rating holding at 63%, the lowest for this time of year in three years. On the export front, Chinese buyers have continued their purchasing spree; since July 8, the USDA has cumulatively confirmed sales of 2.72 million tonnes of new-crop U.S. soybeans to China and unknown destinations.