Trader's Highlight

DJI-NEW YORK, Sept 17 (Reuters) - A measure of global stocks reached an 11-month high on Thursday as economic reports supported themes of recovery, pushing currency investors seeking riskier trades out of U.S. dollars.

But U.S. shares edged lower as some disappointing corporate profits reined in enthusiasm over an economy still seen as vulnerable to rising unemployment.

U.S. indexes shed early gains, with the Dow Jones industrial average <.DJI> down 0.08 percent to 9,783.92. The Standard & Poor's 500 Index <.SPX> declined 0.31 percent to 1,065.49, and the Nasdaq Composite Index <.IXIC> fell 0.15 percent, to 2,080.90.

NYMEX-NEW YORK, Sept 17 (Reuters) - U.S. crude futures ended slightly lower on Thursday, as demand worries amid high inventories offset positive economic data.

An early surge to above $73 fizzled out as traders saw the stock market fall back after rising on reassuring jobless claims and housing reports.

On the New York Mercantile Exchange, October crude settled down 4 cents, or 0.06 percent, at $72.47 a barrel, trading from $71.66 to $73.16.

CBOT-SOYBEANS - November up 2-1/2 cents at $9.53. Nearby months end up as China keeps buying U.S. soybeans with gains limited and pressure on deferred months amid waning worries about frost late next week in the United States that could have harmed the soybean crop.

CBOT-SOYOIL - October up 0.17 cent per lb at 34.55. Short-covering lends support.

FCPO-JAKARTA, Sept 17 (Reuters) - Malaysian crude palm oil futures were little changed Thursday, taking a breather after a two-day rally, as investors squared positions ahead of a long holiday weekend, traders said.

The benchmark December contract on the Bursa Malaysia Derivative Exchange edged up 1 ringgit, or 0.05 percent, at 2,182 ringgit ($629.18) a tonne. Overall volume was 12,959 lots of 25 tonnes each.

REGIONAL EQUITIES-BANGKOK, Sept 17 (Reuters) - Some Southeast Asian stock markets posted small gains on Thursday after U.S. data brought more signs of recovery, but both Singapore and Thailand failed to hold on to early rises, ending lower.

some investors were quick to book profits and Singapore's index <.FTSTI> closed down 0.07 percent. Thailand <.SETI> lost 0.14 percent. But Malaysia's index <.KLSE> was up 0.5 percent and Indonesia <.JKSE> rose 0.72 percent ahead of a long Muslim holiday starting Friday. It will resume trade next Thursday. The Philippines <.PSI> snapped a three-day fall to finish up 0.12 percent while Vietnam <.VNI> extended its gains into a sixth
day, adding 0.8 percent to its highest since Aug. 27, 2008.