Breaking News-RTRS-Unilever stops buying palm oil from Indonesian planter

KUALA LUMPUR, Feb 24 (Reuters) - Consumer goods giant Unilever has told dealers not to source palm oil from Indonesian planter Duta Palma on concerns over rainforest destruction, an Indonesian industry official said on Wednesday.
Unilever , the world's top palm oil buyer, blacklisted Duta Palma just two months after it halted a $33 million supply contract with Indonesia's largest producer, PT SMART

Trader's Highlight

DJI-NEW YORK, Feb 24 (Reuters) - Global stocks rose and the U.S. dollar fell on Wednesday after Federal Reserve Chairman Ben Bernanke reaffirmed his commitment to keep U.S. interest rates at exceptionally low levels for an extended period.

Oil rose to $80 a barrel as Bernanke's congressional testimony buoyed hopes that low rates, which have made stocks and commodities more attractive, will spur economic growth despite bearish U.S. crude oil inventory figures.

NYMEX-NEW YORK, Feb 24 (Reuters) - U.S. crude oil futures ended up more than 1 percent on Wednesday, rebounding from a sharp loss on Tuesday, with support coming from a weaker dollar and a drawdown in gasoline supplies.

Traders ignored a larger-than-expected crude stock build in a key weekly government inventory report. The dollar fell against the euro and yen after comments by U.S. Federal Reserve Chairman Ben Bernanke reaffirmed expectations that the central bank will keep its benchmark interest rate exceptionally low for some time.

On the New York Mercantile Exchange, April crude gained $1.14, or 1.45 percent, to settle at $80 a barrel, trading from $78.25 to $80.13. In post-settlement trading, it last traded up $1.48, or 1.88 percent, at $80.34, with the
day's high rising further to $80.45.

CBOT-CHICAGO, Feb 24 (Reuters) - Chicago Board of Trade grains and soy complex closing trends on Wednesday.

CBOT-SOYBEANS-March up 3 cents at $9.55-1/2 per bushel. Funds bought an estimated 1,000 to 2,000 lots.

CBOT-SOYOIL- March up 0.74 at 39.05 cents per lb. Funds bought an estimated 2,500 lots.

FCPO-JAKARTA, Feb 24 (Reuters) - Malaysia's palm oil futures fell 1.7 percent on Wednesday on market talk of a drop in exports for Feb. 1-25, with long liquidation adding to the pressure, traders said.

Cargo surveyors Intertek Testing Services and Societe General de Surveillance are due to unveil the Feb. 1-25 palm oil exports data on Thursday. Traders said there was talk in late trade that the ITS report may show a figure of 1.089 million tonnes, but earlier on, the rumoured figure was 1.03 million tonnes.

REGIONAL EQUITIES-COLOMBO, Feb 24 (Reuters) - Most major Southeast Asian stock
markets fell on Wednesday on worries over the global economic recovery after declines in U.S. consumer confidence and German business sentiment. Analysts said a testimony by Federal Reserve chief Ben Bernanke to Congress later on Wednesday also made investors cautious.

Singapore <.FTSTI> was down 0.7 percent, Indonesia <.JKSE> fell 0.2 percent and Thailand <.SETI> edged down 0.06 percent.

But Malaysia bucked the trend with a 0.3 percent gain to hit its highest since Jan. 27 after stronger-than-expected economic data.

FCPO Daily: May enter into correction mode

Market slow down its upside move following prices facing some resistance at 2648 levels. Thus, market may enter into correction mode with upside resistance remains looking at 2648 followed by 2667-2675 (gap left over on 7/1/2010). To the downside, support is lies at 2577 followed by 2542-2523 (gap left over on 8/1/2010).

FKLI Daily: Holding ground

Market continue to hold ground with 1260 provided a pretty good support. Market looks may continue to move sideways to higher in near term. To the upside, resistance is looking at 1288. Downside support is pegged at 1258.5-1253.5 levels (gap left over on 22/2/2010).

Breaking News-RTRS-Brazil's Feb soybean exports to surge - Oil World

HAMBURG, Feb 23 (Reuters) - Brazil's soybean exports are likely to rise strongly in February as the large 2010 harvest is marketed, but new crop sales by Argentina appear more restrained, Hamburg-based oilseeds analysts Oil World forecast on Tuesday.
Brazil may export 2.2-2.6 million tonnes of soybeans in February, up from only 100,000 tonnes in January and 700,000 tonnes in February 2009, it estimates.
Brazil's early 2010 soybean crop, now underway, is forecast by Oil World at 64-65 million tonnes, up from 57.4 million tonnes in 2009.

Trader's Highlight

DJI-NEW YORK, Feb 23 (Reuters) - U.S. stocks suffered their biggest one-day decline in nearly three weeks on Tuesday after a sharp drop in consumer confidence heightened worries over one of the most vulnerable areas of the economy.

Consumer confidence in February slumped to a 10-month low as the short-term outlook on jobs worsened. Results from retailers added little hope, as bellwethers like Target Corp forecast a tepid performance in the first quarter.

NYMEX-NEW YORK, Feb 23 (Reuters) - U.S. crude oil futures fell on Tuesday as weak consumer confidence data added to pressure provided by the dollar's strength on concerns about the euro zone economy. Crude's slip comes after five straight higher closes.

On the New York Mercantile Exchange at 10:27 a.m. EST (1527 GMT), April crude was down $1.73, or 2.15 percent, at $78.58 a barrel, trading from $78.22 to $80.39.

CBOT-CHICAGO, Feb 23 (Reuters) - Wheat and corn futures on the Chicago Board of Trade were lower early Tuesday in a profit-taking setback after Monday's rally, while soybeans were mixed, with front months supported by firm cash markets, traders said. A firmer dollar and declines in crude oil futures hung over the grain markets.

CBOT-SOYBEANS - March up 1 cent at $9.62-1/2 per bushel; new-crop November down 3-3/4 cents at $9.32.

CBOT-SOYOIL - March down 0.33 cent at 38.50 cents a lb.

FCPO-JAKARTA, Feb 23 (Reuters) - Malaysia's palm oil futures edged up on Tuesday, giving up much of the day's earlier gains as investors locked in profit in late trade, traders said. Recent rise has been underpinned by expectations of a decline in production this month, which may offset weaker exports and reduce inventories in the world's number two producer.

Output prospects are also clouded by hotter-than-usual weather, due to the resurgent El Nino weather condition. [ID:nSGE61L09F] But the rally, which touched a six-and-a-half-week high, was halted by concerns that the market is probably overbought.

REGIONAL EQUITIES-BANGKOK, Feb 23 (Reuters) - Most major Southeast Asian stock markets gained on Tuesday as the region looked ahead to a testimony from Federal Reserve Chairman Ben Bernanke for clues on interest rates.

Singapore <.FTSTI> was up 0.9 percent, Indonesia <.JKSE> rose 0.76 percent, at one point touching its highest since Feb 5, and Thailand <.SETI> rose 1.4 percent to its highest since Jan. 21.

Malaysia <.KLSE> ended unchanged, giving up an early gain to its highest since Feb. 2.

Breaking News-RTRS-UPDATE 1-Dry spell to curb Malaysia's palm oil output

KUALA LUMPUR, Feb 22 (Reuters) - Malaysia may see weak palm oil production growth for a second straight year and miss government output target as yields suffer due to the current hot weather, estate owners said on Monday.
Hotter-than-usual weather, due to the resurgent El Nino weather condition, has aggravated the biological stress that oil palms are experiencing after seasonally higher production in the last quarter of 2009, they said.
Biological tree stress refers to weaker yields after a period of high productivity.

Breaking News-RTRS-ANALYSIS-New Indonesia palm contract has hard row to hoe

JAKARTA/KUALA LUMPUR, Feb 22 (Reuters) - A planned new palm oil futures contract in Indonesia, the world's largest producer of the commodity, faces an uphill struggle against an established Malaysian rival and the imminent launch of a U.S. competitor.
The Indonesia Commodity & Derivative Exchange (ICDX) aims to launch the contract in April, but is chasing trading volumes of more than 4 million lots a month on Bursa Malaysia , the stock exchange in its neighbour.

Trader's Highlight

DJI-NEW YORK, Feb 22 (Reuters) - U.S. stocks finished flat on Monday as investors held back before congressional testimony by Fed Chairman Ben Bernanke, while scattered buying lifted shares of health insurers and banks.

President Barack Obama revised plans for an overhaul of U.S. healthcare. The Morgan Stanley healthcare payor index <.HMO> rose 1.7 percent, but investors said financial shares benefited from the focus shifting away from reform in that sector.

NYMEX-NEW YORK, Feb 22 (Reuters) - U.S. crude oil futures finished higher for the fifth straight day on Monday, with the front-month March contract expiring amid a flurry of late short-covering and aided by rising gasoline futures.

Gasoline futures, which also ended up for the fifth consecutive day, were again lifted by the continuing refinery strikes in France.

On the New York Mercantile Exchange, March crude expired and settled up 35 cents, 35 cents, or 0.44 percent, at $80.16 a barrel, the highest close since Jan. 12's $80.79. It traded from $79.45 to $80.51, the highest since the Jan. 13 intraday high of $80.67.

CBOT-CHICAGO, Feb 22 (Reuters) - Chicago Board of Trade grains and soy complex close on Monday.

CBOT-SOYBEANS - March settled up 16-1/2 cents at $9.61-1/2 per bushel.

CBOT-SOYOIL - March settled up 0.31 cent at 38.83 cents per lb.

FCPO-JAKARTA, Feb 22 (Reuters) - Malaysia's palm oil futures rose as much as 1.6 percent to a six-week intraday high before closing slightly off the high on Monday, taking their cue from rising crude oil and soy prices, traders said.

The market shrugged off cargo surveyors' reports of a drop of between 8.4 percent and 8.6 percent in Malaysian palm oil exports in the first 20 days of February from the same period a month before. The market hopes this will be offset by a drop in production this month, thus maintaining supportive fundamentals for prices.

REGIONAL EQUITIES-BANGKOK, Feb 22 (Reuters) - Southeast Asian stock markets rose on Monday amid hopes of a bail-out for Greece and waning worries about U.S. tightening, but concern about property measures pared gains in Singapore, which ended flat <.FTSTI>.

Analysts said U.S. January inflation, which came in below expectations, supported the view that the U.S. fed funds rate would not go up soon despite the recent discount rate rise, which some saw as an initial tightening step.

Malaysia <.KLSE> finished up 0.7 percent, earlier climbing to its highest since Feb. 4, Indonesia <.JKSE> rose 0.4 percent and the Philippines <.PSI> added 1.24 percent.

In Singapore, the government announced a smaller budget deficit for fiscal 2010/11 as it sought to roll back some of the stimulus policies introduced at the height of the financial crisis last year.

FCPO Daily: Inching up

Market continue to inch higher in tight rangy mode. Market looks may want to challenge the immediate resistance at 2648 in near term. Next resistance will be looking at 2667-2675 (gap left over on 7/1/2010. To the downside, support is lies at 2621-2609(gap left over on 22/2/2010)followed by 2600-2580.

FKLI Daily: Sideways to bias upside potential

A long upper shadow candle printed as prices touch and go at the intra-day high at 1288 levels. Market momentum has improved a little following a sharp rebound. Thus, market may move sideways bias to little upside potential in near term. To the upside, resistance is looking at 1288. Downside support is pegged at 1258.5-1253.5 levels (gap left over on 22/2/2010).

Breaking News-RTRS-Malaysia's Feb 1-20 palm oil exports down 8.6 pct-ITS

KUALA LUMPUR, Feb 20 (Reuters) - Exports of Malaysian palm
oil products for Feb. 1-20 fell 8.6 percent to 844,865 tonnes
from 924,003 tonnes shipped between Jan 1 to 20, cargo surveyor
Intertek Testing Services said on Saturday.

Breaking News-RTRS-US 2010/11 soyoil for biodiesel 2.8 bln lbs -USDA

WASHINGTON, Feb 19 (Reuters) - Some 2.800 billion lbs of U.S. soybean
oil will be used in making biodiesel fuel in 2010/11, said the Agriculture
Department on Friday.

Trader's Highlight

DJI-NEW YORK, Feb 19 (Reuters) - The dollar gained broadly and stocks edged higher worldwide on Friday after investors swept aside negative views of a surprise move by the U.S. Federal Reserve to hike an emergency lending rate and took it as a sign of a healing economy.

Stocks on Wall Street closed out their best week of the year after a zig-zag session as investors weighed the Federal Reserve decision late Thursday to raise its discount rate for banks by one-quarter percentage point to 0.75 percent.

NYMEX-NEW YORK, Feb 19 (Reuters) - U.S. crude oil futures ended
higher for the fourth day in a row on Friday, amid supply worries in the wake of a strike in French refineries and on geopolitical tensions over Iran's nuclear posture.

Oil futures rose with Wall Street as concerns eased about the Federal Reserve's discount rate increase late Thursday, which had pulled back prices overnight and in early trading.

On the New York Mercantile Exchange, March crude settled up 75 cents, or 0.95 percent, at $79.81 a barrel, the highest close since Jan. 14's $79.39. It traded from $77.76 to $79.95, the highest since Jan. 14's intraday high of $80.36.

CBOT-CHICAGO, Feb 19 (Reuters) - Chicago Board of Trade grains and soy complex close on Friday.

CBOT-SOYBEANS - March down 3 cents at $9.45 per bushel.
Pressure from rallying dollar, with ongoing weight from outlooks for record large South American soybean crop. Weekly exports disappoint.

CBOT-SOYOIL - March down 0.18 cent at 38.52 cents per lb. Pressure from unwinding of oil/meal spreads, but higher crude oil futures limit declines.

FCPO-KUALA LUMPUR, Feb 19 (Reuters) - Malaysia palm oil edged lower on Friday as it was weighed by a firmer dollar and weaker commodity markets after the U.S. Federal Reserve's move to raise its emergency lending rate.

But a lack of palm oil supplies capped losses in the market, while traders were on the lookout for export data due over the weekend and next week for further direction.

REGIONAL EQUITIES-BANGKOK, Feb 19 (Reuters) - Singapore shares touched a one-week low on Friday and most other Southeast Asian markets also eased after the U.S. Federal Reserve raised its discount rate, raising fears about broader policy tightening.

Singapore's index <.FTSTI> ended down 0.44 percent, earlier falling to its lowest since Feb. 10, Malaysia <.KLSE> edged down 0.11 percent, Indonesia <.JKSE> was off 0.22 percent and the Philippines <.PSI> dropped 0.7 percent.

In Kuala Lumpur, gaming group Genting fell 2.8 percent and Genting Malaysia , which houses the group's Malaysian casino and leisure business, lost 1.8 percent.

NYMEX Crude Weekly: sideways to bias upside potential

A good closing for the week with printed a long white candle had helped to improve the market momentum bias sideways to little upside potential. Thus, we are now looking for the upside resistance at USD83.95 (high since 17/1/2010) and downside support is pegged at USD69.50 (low since 7/2/2010)

FCPO Weekly: Improving

Market continue to holding ground and overall momentum improve a little following prices defended well at 2500 levels. However, more strength is still needed in order to change the current technical landscape to look more positively. Thus, we continue to look for the upside resistance at 2650-2675 followed by 2726. While, immediate downside support is still lies at 2542-2523 (gap left over on 14/2/2010) followed by 2400-2393.

FKLI Weekly: Consolidate

Market was in consolidation phase with upside resistance and downside support is pegged at 1270 and 1219.5 levels respectively.

Breaking News-RTRS-UPDATE 5-USDA projects record corn crop, rising exports

WASHINGTON, Feb 18 (Reuters) - U.S. farmers can expect a
record corn crop, another huge soybean harvest and strong
demand for their exports, which should combine to boost incomes
for the farm sector this year, the U.S. Agriculture Department
said on Thursday in its latest forecast.
At its annual outlook conference, USDA raised its forecast
for farm exports in fiscal 2010 to $100 billion from the $98
billion it estimated in November and $96.6 billion in 2009, as
world demand begins to recover from recession.

Breaking News-RTRS-UPDATE 2-Fed hikes discount rate but not tightening policy

WASHINGTON, Feb 18 (Reuters) - The Federal Reserve said on Thursday it raised the interest rate it charges banks for emergency loans but insisted that its first rate move since December 2008 would not raise borrowing costs for consumers or companies.
The Fed cast its decision to raise the discount rate to 0.75 percent from 0.5 percent as a response to improved financial market conditions that warrant less of a helping hand from the U.S. central bank.

Trader's Highlight

DJI-NEW YORK, Feb 18 (Reuters) - U.S. stocks rose for a third straight day on Thursday as investors viewed company results and manufacturing data as evidence the economic rebound will continue.

But stock index futures dropped steeply after the closing bell when the Federal Reserve announced it was raising the discount rate that it charges banks for emergency loans.

NYMEX-NEW YORK, Feb 18 (Reuters) - U.S. crude futures ended above $79 a barrel on Thursday, hitting a five-week high, amid worries over Iran's nuclear program and upbeat U.S. economic reports.

Improved readings on manufacturing and overall growth, overshadowed data showing a rise in unemployment claims and in the producer price index, and brightened the recovery outlook.

On the New York Mercantile Exchange, March crude settled up $1.73, or 2.24 percent, at $79.06 a barrel, the highest close since Jan. 14's $79.39. It traded from $76.32 to $79.11, highest since front month crude hit $79.15 on Jan. 19.

CBOT-CHICAGO, Feb 18 (Reuters) - Chicago Board of Trade grains and soy complex close on Thursday.

CBOT-SOYBEANS - March down 3-1/2 cents at $9.48 per bushel. Turned lower as dollar rallied against the euro. Outlooks for big South American crops add pressure including increased selling by South American farmers.

CBOT-SOYOIL - March down 0.05 cent at 38.70 cents a lb. Following downturn in soybeans, but strength in crude oil lends underlying support.

FCPO-KUALA LUMPUR, Feb 18 (Reuters) - Malaysian palm oil futures eased on Thursday from five-week highs hit the previous session as traders booked profits on the back of declines in rival crude oil and soyoil markets.

But expectations of weaker output this month due to the Lunar New Year holidays limited losses. Palm oil is the best performing vegetable oil market this year, falling just 2.3 percent, compared to U.S soyoil's 4.1 percent declines.

REGIONAL EQUITIES-BANGKOK, Feb 18 (Reuters) - Singapore shares fell almost 1
percent on Thursday, leading losses in other Southeast Asian markets amid lingering worries over Greece's fiscal problems, with a stronger dollar prompting selling in resource shares.

The Straits Times Index <.FTSTI> ended down 0.9 percent, after a three-day run to a three-week high, with actively traded gaming group Genting dropping 6.9 percent and commodities firm Olam International 2.7 percent.

In Kuala Lumpur, the index ended a four-day rise, weighed down by a 2.2 percent loss in Genting and a 0.6 percent fall in palm plantation firm IOI Corp .

FCPO Daily: Entering into consolidation phase

Market slow down its upside move following prices covered partial of the downside gap left over. Market looks may enter into consolidation phase in near term. As for now, we looking for the immediate upside resistance at 2628 followed by 2648. While, downside support is lies at 2600-2580 (gap left over since 17/2/2010)followed by 2546-2523 (gap left over since 8/2/2010).

FKLI Daily: Holding ground

Market continue to hold ground and may may extend its consolidation phase in near term. To the upside, resistance is now looking at 1261.5 followed by 1270-1275. Downside support is pegged at 1230 levels followed by 1219.5.

Trader's Highlight

DJI-NEW YORK, Feb 17 (Reuters) - Stronger-than-expected corporate results and upbeat economic data drove U.S. stocks higher on Wednesday as they fed expectations the recovery will bolster corporate profits.

The optimistic outlook on the economy was underpinned by data showing a six-month high in housing starts and a rise in industrial production in January.

NYMEX-NEW YORK, Feb 17 (Reuters) - U.S. crude futures were little changed on Wednesday after weekly industry inventory data showed a small drawdown in domestic crude stocks, defying forecasts that supplies rose last week.

Heating oil futures trimmed gains after the American Petroleum Institute's data showed that distillates, including heating oil stocks, gained, dashing forecasts for a drawdown.

On the New York Mercantile Exchange, March crude last traded up 36 cents, or 0.47 percent, at $77.37 a barrel in the after-market. It had settled earlier up 32 cents, or 0.42 percent, at $77.33, trading from $76.53 to $77.82.

CBOT-CHICAGO, Feb 17 (Reuters) - Chicago Board of Trade grains and soy complex close on Wednesday.

CBOT-SOYBEANS - March down 14 cents at $9.51-1/2 per bushel. Profit-taking and firm dollar weigh on prices along with ongoing pressure from expectations of a record large South American soy harvest.

CBOT-SOYOIL - March down 0.20 cent at 38.75 cents per lb. Following soybeans lower.

FCPO-KUALA LUMPUR, Feb 17 (Reuters) - Malaysian palm oil futures rose to more than a five-week high on Wednesday after the Lunar New Year holidays as traders priced in earlier gains from crude oil and rival soyoil.

Expectations of weaker production this month due to the Lunar New Year holidays are likely to offset poor export data reported by a cargo surveyor on Tuesday, keeping palm oil prices above the 2,550 ringgit level, traders say.

REGIONAL EQUITIES-BANGKOK, Feb 17 (Reuters) - Singapore stocks rose to their highest in three weeks on Wednesday, leading gains in other Southeast Asian stock markets as global economic optimism pushed up oil prices and spurred buying in regional commodity shares.

Singapore <.FTSTI> ended up 1.3 percent, earlier hitting its highest since since Jan. 26, with coal miner Straits Asia Resources surging 5.7 percent. Noble Group rose 3 percent while Olam

Malaysia <.KLSE> was up 0.5 percent at its highest since Feb. 4, Indonesia <.JKSE> rose 0.9 percent to the highest since Feb. 5, and the Philippines <.PSI> surged 1.7 percent to its highest since Jan. 22, building on a 6 percent gain in the previous five sessions.

CBOT Soyoil Daily: May challenge Usc40.00

Market took a breathe after the recent sharp rise and looks may want to challenge the physiological resistance at Usc40.00. Violation of it may provide more room to bias upside potential in near term. To the downside support is pegged at Usc38.00

FCPO Daily: Remains sideways to higher

Market continue to inch higher after violated the immediate resistance at 2600-2620 levels convincingly. Market looks may extend its sideways to higher move in near term. To the upside, resistance is pegged at 2648 followed by 2667-2675 (gap left over on 7/1/2010). While, downside support is lies at 2606-2580 (gap left over on 17/2/2010).

FKLI Daily: in consolidation phase

Market rebounded to cover the upside gap left over since 5/2/2010. However, the upward momentum was not convincing enough. Thus, market may extend its consolidation phase in near term. To the upside, resistance is looking at 1270-1275. Downside support is pegged at 1230 levels.

Breaking News-RTRS-Indonesia's Astra Agro, KPB hold no palm oil tender

JAKARTA, Feb 15 (Reuters) - Indonesia's largest listed plantation firm PT Astra Agro Lestari Tbk and PT KPB Nusantara (formerly known as the state marketing centre) said they did not hold palm oil tenders on Monday.

Breaking News-RTRS-NOPA January U.S. crush seen at 161.8 mln bu

CHICAGO, Feb 12 (Reuters) - National Oilseed Processors Association monthly crush data to be released Tuesday morning should show the January U.S. soybean crush at 161.8 million bushels, analysts projected on Friday.

Breaking News-NOPA delays monthly soy crush report to Wednesday

WASHINGTON, Feb 16 (Reuters) - The National Oilseed Processors Association said it delayed the release of its monthly soybean crush report by one day, to Wednesday, due to bad weather.

Trader's Highlight

DJI-NEW YORK, Feb 16 (Reuters) - Global stocks surged on Tuesday, lifted by upbeat results from British bank Barclay's and strong U.S. factory data, while the euro posted its biggest single-day gain versus the dollar since June on bets the currency had fallen too far over Greece's financial woes.

U.S. stocks posted their biggest daily percentage gain in three months and European equities rose 1 percent, as investors regained faith in an economic recovery and plowed back into riskier investments.

NYMEX-NEW YORK, Feb 16 (Reuters) - U.S. crude oil futures ended nearly 4 percent higher on Tuesday as improved manufacturing data that boosted optimism about the economy lifted the stock market and hope for better demand for oil.

The dollar's weakness against the euro and tensions over Iran's nuclear program also helped lift oil futures, along with recent cold weather supportive to heating oil.

On the New York Mercantile Exchange, March crude rose $2.88, or 3.89 percent, to settle at $77.01 a barrel, trading from $73.71 to $77.28.

CBOT-CHICAGO, Feb 16 (Reuters) - Chicago Board of Trade grains and soy complex close on Tuesday.

CBOT-SOYBEANS - March up 20-1/2 cents at $9.65-1/2 per bushel. Front-month March climbed to a four-week peak on weak dollar, higher crude oil and equities, and short-covering.

CBOT-SOYOIL-March up 1.11 cents at 38.95 cents per lb. Following soybeans and higher crude oil.

FCPO-JAKARTA, Feb 12 (Reuters) - Malaysian palm oil futures closed unchanged on Friday after recouping an earlier 1.3 percent loss as traders covered short positions anticipating possible gains after the Chinese New Year holidays next week, traders said.

Traded volume was below the usual 10,000 lots as traders left early for the holidays or simply did not trade.

REGIONAL EQUITIES-BANGKOK, Feb 16 (Reuters) - Indonesian stocks climbed to their highest in almost two weeks on Tuesday as investors bought resource shares, and Thai shares also rose, although to a lesser extent as political worries deterred some investors.

Manila <.PSI> edged higher, while Singapore <.FTSTI> and Malaysia <.KLSE> remained closed for the Lunar New Year holiday. They will resume trading on Wednesday, but Vietnam <.VNI> is closed for the week.

FCPO Weekly: Holding ground

Market rebounded after found some support at 2400-2393 levels. However, more strength is still needed in order for market to gain more ground. Thus, we are now looking for the upside resistance at 2650-2675 followed by 2726. While, immediate downside support will be looking at 2542-2523 (gap left over on 14/2/2010) followed by 2400-2393.

FKLI Weekly: Market momentum remains weak

Market momentum remains weak and is trying to defend at 1200 physiological support. Violation of 1200 levels may provide more room to bias downside potential in near term. To the upside, resistance is looking at 1265.0-1270.0 followed by 1285.

Breaking News-RTRS-EU demand rising for non-rain forest palm oil

HAMBURG, Feb 11 (Reuters) - Europe is raising imports of palm oil certified as produced without destroying tropical rain forests, the head of Germany's edible oil industry association OVID said on Thursday.
About 120,000 tonnes of palm oil certified under the programme Round Table for Sustainable Palm Oil (RSPO) had been traded in January, representing 98 percent of sustainable palm oil production, OVID chief executive Petra Sprick told Reuters.

Breaking News-RTRS-UPDATE 3-US corn plantings seen up 2 pct, soy off 1 pct-USDA

WASHINGTON, Feb 11 (Reuters) - U.S. farmers will plant
enough corn and soybeans to reap their second-largest harvests,
the Agriculture Department projected on Thursday, but private
forecasters had expected even larger plantings.
Corn (maize) and soybeans are the most widely planted U.S.
row crops. With wheat, they are staples of U.S. diets and
widely used in livestock feed.

Breaking News-RTRS-Senate jobs bill to revive US biodiesel tax credit

WASHINGTON, Feb 10 (Reuters) - A U.S. jobs-creation bill under development in the Senate would revive the $1 a gallon biodiesel tax credit for this year, according to a draft of the bill released on Wednesday.

Trader's Highlight

DJI-NEW YORK, Feb 11 (Reuters) - U.S. stocks rose on Thursday after a pledge by European leaders to support debt-laden Greece eased fears of a broader euro zone crisis and upbeat data from China spurred mining and material stocks.

Data pointing to stabilization in the U.S. labor market gave the market a further boost, along with a broker upgrade of bellwether 3M Co , whose stock rose 2.1 percent.

NYMEX-NEW YORK, Feb 11 (Reuters) - U.S. crude futures settled higher for the fourth straight day on Thursday, supported by Wall Street's sharp rise on a pledge by European leaders to rescue debt-strapped Greece and by upbeat economic data.

In the early going, oil futures rose after the International Energy Agency revised upward its 2010 demand growth forecast, but prices fell when the euro sank further as details remained murky about the Greece rescue plan.

On the New York Mercantile Exchange, March crude settled up 76 cents, or 1.02 percent, at $75.28 a barrel, trading from $73.38 to $75.69. In four days, the contract has gained $4.09, or 5.7 percent.

CBOT-CHICAGO, Feb 11 (Reuters) - Chicago Board of Trade grains and soy complex close on Thursday.

CBOT-SOYBEANS - March up 5-1/2 cents at $9.43 per bushel. Firm cash markets and slow producer selling supportive. Additional support from talk that soy yields in early South American harvest not as good as some expected. Firm dollar limits rally.

CBOT-SOYOIL - March down 0.13 cent at 38.14 cents per lb. Losing ground to soymeal on meal/oil spreads.

FCPO-JAKARTA, Feb 11 (Reuters) - Malaysian palm oil futures rose 0.7 percent to the highest closing in nearly five weeks on Thursday, in line with other markets, but late profit-taking wiped out about half of the gain, traders said.
Sentiment in equities and commodities markets was partly lifted by hopes of a rescue plan for debt-laden Greece as European Union leaders were set to meet in Brussels on Thursday to talk about a rescue plan.

REGIONAL EQUITIES-BANGKOK, Feb 11 (Reuters) - Southeast Asian stock markets
rose on Thursday as hopes for a rescue plan for debt-stricken Greece revived buying interest, leaving Singapore in positive terrain and ending a five-day losing streak in Indonesia.

Singapore's Straits Times Index <.FTSTI> rose 0.7 percent, erasing the previous session's loss, with good buying interest in commodity stocks such as Noble Group , up 2.1 percent, and Olam International , up 2.6 percent.

Malaysia <.KLSE> and Thailand <.SETI> rose for a second day, adding 0.26 percent and 1.02 percent respectively. Indonesia <.JKSE> ended a five-day drop to climb 1 percent on the session. In Kuala Lumpur, Axiata Group rose 2.1 percent and
Maxix gained 0.6 percent.

Trader's Highlight

DJI-NEW YORK, Feb 10 (Reuters) - U.S. stocks dipped on Wednesday as worries over Federal Reserve Chairman Ben Bernanke's strategy after the economy recovers offset optimism about a possible rescue for debt-burdened Greece.

Trading volume was light, with many participants leaving early because of an East Coast snowstorm.

The French daily Le Monde wrote that France and Germany were set to present a plan at a European Union summit on Thursday aimed at preventing Greece from going bankrupt.

The Dow Jones industrial average <.DJI> was down 20.26 points, or 0.20 percent, at 10,038.38. The Standard & Poor's 500 Index <.SPX> was down 2.39 points, or 0.22 percent, at 1,068.13. The Nasdaq Composite Index <.IXIC> was down 3.00 points, or 0.14 percent, at 2,147.87.

NYMEX-NEW YORK, Feb 10 (Reuters) - U.S. crude futures gained for a third day in a row on Wednesday, lifted by an upbeat government global oil demand growth estimate for this year and as improving technical support spurred further fund buying.

The U.S. Energy Information Administration raised its 2010 forecast by 120,000 barrels per day to 1.2 million bpd in its latest outlook.

On the New York Mercantile Exchange, March crude settled up 77 cents, or 1.04 percent, at $74.52 a barrel, trading from $72.60 to $74.97. It gained $3.33, or 4.68 percent in three days, so far the longest winning span since the last big winning streak of 10 days between Dec. 22 to Jan. 6, during which front-month crude gained $10.71 or 14.8 percent.

Upcoming Chinese New Year's celebration could lead to slow dealings with China during next week.

SOYBEANS - March up 13 cents at $9.37-1/2 a bushel. Market rallies as crude oil prices turn higher. Traders note some short-covering with firm

SOYOIL - March down 0.11 cent at 38.27 cents a lb.

FCPO-JAKARTA, Feb 10 (Reuters) - Malaysian palm oil futures closed little changed on Wednesday after a cargo surveyor's estimate of a big jump in Feb. 1-10 exports offset the negative impact of a smaller-than-expected drop in palm oil stock, traders said.

The Bursa Malaysia Derivatives Exchange will be closed next Monday and Tuesday. The benchmark April contract on the Bursa Malaysia Derivatives Exchange edged up 2 ringgit to 2,563 ringgit ($747.45) per tonne. Traded volume was 11,661 lots of 25 tonnes each.

REGIONAL EQUITIES-COLOMBO, Feb 10 (Reuters) - Some Southeast Asian stock markets rose on Wednesday as worries about euro zone debt and the global economic recovery subsided, but Singapore and Indonesia retreated.

European governments have agreed in principle to help heavily indebted Greece, a senior German coalition source said, in what would be the first rescue of a euro zone member in the currency's 11-year history.

Thailand <.SETI> gained 0.4 percent, while Malaysia rose <.KLSE> 1 percent. The Philippines <.PSI> and Vietnam <.VNI> gained 2.1 percent and 1.7 percent respectively.

But Singapore's Straits Times Index <.FTSTI> fell 0.4 percent, led by banking shares, with top lender DBS Group falling 1.5 percent and United Overseas Bank 1.9 percent.

Malaysia <.KLSE> rose, led by Malayan Banking Bhd (Maybank) with a 1.8 percent gain after the country's top lender posted a 35 percent rise in net profit a day earlier.

FCPO Daily: Holding ground

Market was holding ground to stay above 2500 levels in rangy mode. Thus, market may extend its sideways to higher move in near term. To the upside, immediate resistance is pegged at 2570-2572 (gap left over at 12/1/2010) followed by 2600-2605 levels. To the downside, immediate support is lies at 2542-2523 (gap left over on 8/2/2010) followed by 2480 levels.

CBOT Soyoil Daily: Facing some resistance

Market looks is facing some resistance at Usc39.11-39.18. Violation of it may provide more room to bias upside potential. To the downside, support is pegged at Usc38.00

FKLI Daily: remains Weak

Market momentum remains weak despite prices rebounded and recovered slightly. As for now, we are looking for the upside resistance and downside support at 1251-1260 (gap left over since 5/2/2010) and 1200 levels respectively.

Breaking News-RTRS-POLL-Malaysia's Jan palm oil stocks easing from 13-mth top

KUALA LUMPUR, Feb 9 (Reuters) - Malaysia's palm oil stocks in
January likely dropped 11.7 percent from a 13-month high hit in
the previous month on strong exports and much lower output, a
Reuters poll showed on Tuesday.
Stocks fell to 1.976 million tonnes in Malaysia, the world's
No. 2 producer of the vegetable oil, going below 2 million tonnes
for the first time in two months, a poll of five plantation
houses showed.

Breaking News-RTRS-BRIEF-Malaysia IOI sees palm oil price hitting 3,000 rgt

Feb 9 (Reuters) -IOI CORP: * Malaysia's IOI Corp chairman says sees crude palm oil prices at 2,800-3,000 rgt a tonne for 2010 * Malaysia's IOI Corp chairman says profit outlook good if prices stabilise around current levels * "The prospects are good, demand is there because some of the countries, such as India and China, their economies have already stabilised," IOI Corp executive chairman Lee Shin Cheng told reporters when asked about the price outlook for crude palm oil. * "I expect it (crude palm oil price) to increase to 2,800 ringgit and eventually up to 3,000 ringgit," said Lee.

Breaking News-RTRS-Biodiesel to cut Argentine soyoil sales -Oil World

HAMBURG, Feb 9 (Reuters) - Increasing Argentine domestic biodiesel use will cut the country's soyoil exports in 2010, Hamburg-based oilseeds analysts Oil World forecast on Tuesday.
If Argentine government plans for 5 percent biodiesel content in fossil diesel are implemented, coupled with compulsory use of biodiesel for electricity generation, this would create annual demand for 860,000 tonnes of biodiesel, largely made from soyoil, Oil World estimates.

Trader's Highlight

DJINEW YORK, Feb 9 (Reuters) - The Dow posted its largest one-day percentage gain in three months on Tuesday, boosted by reports of an aid plan for heavily indebted Greece.

A senior German ruling coalition source said euro zone governments have decided in principle to help Greece, which calmed investors worried about a threat to global economic stability.

NYMEX-NEW YORK, Feb 9 (Reuters) - U.S. crude futures stayed up in post-settlement trading on Tuesday even though an industry report showed that domestic crude stocks rose much more than expected last week.

Heating oil futures also held on to hefty gains, despite data from the American Petroleum Institute that showed distillate stocks fell less than expected.

On the New York Mercantile Exchange, March crude last traded up $1.93, or 2.68 percent, at $73.82 a barrel. It had settled up $1.86, or 2.59 percent, at $73.75, trading from $71.32 to $74.15. In two straight days, contract has gained $2.56, or 3.6 percent.

CBOT-CHICAGO, Feb 9 (Reuters) - Chicago Board of Trade grains and soy complex close on Tuesday.

CBOT-SOYBEANS - March down 5 cents at $9.24-1/2 a bushel. Turned lower on farmer selling and expectations of large South American soy crops. Early strength stemmed from USDA trimming its forecast for 2009/10 U.S. soy ending stocks and a weaker dollar.

CBOT-SOYOIL - March up 0.43 cent at 38.38 cents a lb. Rally in crude oil offsets pressure from declines in soybeans.

FCPO-JAKARTA, Feb 9 (Reuters) - Malaysian palm oil futures rose as much as 0.8 percent to a new four-week intraday high on Tuesday and closed just off that level, on talk of higher February 1-10 palm oil exports due out on Wednesday, traders said.

There was speculation that cargo surveyor Intertek Testing Service may report Feb. 1-10 exports of 400,000 tonnes, against 351,818 tonnes shipped between Jan. 1-10, traders said.

REGIONAL EQUITIES-COLOMBO, Feb 9 (Reuters) - Singapore stocks jumped 1.9 percent on Tuesday but other Southeast Asian stock markets fell due to worries over the euro zone's debt problems and the implications for the global economic recovery.

Singapore's Straits Times Index <.FTSTI> hit its highest close since Jan. 29, led by a 2.7 percent rise in the biggest telephone firm, Singapore Telecom , and a 3 percent rise in United Overseas Bank . Singapore Telecom posted an 18 percent increase in underlying third-quarter net profit, in line with analysts' forecasts.

Malaysia <.KLSE>, which fell 0.9 percent in early trade, recovered to close just 0.1 percent down, with Public Bank leading the fall, losing 1.8 percent.

Trader's Highlight

DJI-NEW YORK, Feb 8 (Reuters) - The Dow industrials closed below 10,000 for the first time since November on Monday as investors sold bank shares due to heightened concerns about the euro zone's sovereign debt troubles.

Bank of America shares lost more than 3 percent, while JPMorgan slipped 1.6 percent, and Citigroup shed 2.2 percent.

NYMEX-NEW YORK, Feb 8 (Reuters) - U.S. crude futures rose almost 1 percent on Monday as cold weather, a weaker dollar and jitters over geopolitical risks combined to snap a three-session losing streak.

It was an "inside day" for crude futures, a trading pattern in which session highs and lows are within the previous session's range.

On the New York Mercantile Exchange, March crude settled up 70 cents, or 0.98 percent, at $71.89 a barrel, trading from $70.77 to $72.39.

CBOT-CHICAGO, Feb 8 (Reuters) - Chicago Board of Trade grains and soy complex close on Monday.

CBOT-SOYBEANS - March up 16 cents at $9.29-1/2 a bushel. Rallied to 1-1/2 week high on short-covering amid oversold technicals ahead of USDA's February supply/demand report on Tuesday. Weak dollar and firm crude oil also lend support.

CBOT-SOYOIL - March up 0.95 cents at 37.95 cents per lb. Technical bounce and following soy and crude oil. Expectations of increased soyoil use for biodiesel under U.S. renewable fuel plan add support.

FCPO-JAKARTA, Feb 8 (Reuters) - Malaysian palm oil futures rose as much as 1.7 percent to a four-week intraday high before finishing slightly off the high, underpinned by a rebound in crude oil and rival soy prices, traders said.

REGIONAL EQUITIES-COLOMBO, Feb 8 (Reuters) - Major Southeast Asian stock
markets fell on Monday due to growing worries over the euro zone's debt problems and the prospect of further turbulence on world markets, but Singapore bucked the trend.

At a weekend meeting, European ministers tried to reassure their counterparts in the Group of Seven that the euro zone's debt crisis was under control and that Greece would stick to its budget-cutting plan.

Malaysia <.KLSE> lost 1 percent to hit a three-month low, Indonesia <.JKSE> eased 1.72 percent, hitting a six-week low, and the Philippines <.PSI> fell 0.3 percent to its lowest close since Sept. 23.

But Singapore's Straits Times Index <.FTSTI> gained 0.4 percent -- recovering from a three-month low after falling 1 percent during the session -- led by a 1.7 percent gain in Singapore Telecom and 1.6 percent in bank DBS .

Breaking News-RTRS-UPDATE 1-Indonesia says to limit palm oil exports in 2015

JAKARTA, Feb 8 (Reuters) - Indonesia, the world's number one palm oil producer, plans to limit exports of the tropical oil to encourage the development of higher-value, refined products, the industry minister said on Monday.
Palm oil exports will be limited to not more than 50 percent of output in 2015, and to 30 percent of output in 2020, the minister said.
The Indonesian Palm Oil Association (GAPKI) has forecast that exports will rise 16 percent this year to 18 million tonnes, following a 12 percent increase last year.

Trader's Highlight

DJI-NEW YORK, Feb 5 (Reuters) - U.S. stocks erased a midday drop to end slightly higher on Friday, closing out a volatile week punctuated by mixed signals from the labor market data and growing anxiety over fiscal problems in Europe.

Major indexes turned positive heading into the close, as investors scooped up shares in the technology and materials sectors -- two of the worst performers during the market's latest pullback.

NYMEX-NEW YORK, Feb 5 (Reuters) - U.S. crude futures ended at a seven-week low on Friday, down for a third day in a row, as a surging dollar and worries about the U.S. labor market after a mixed government jobs report combined to pressure energy
futures.

On the New York Mercantile Exchange, March crude settled down $1.95, or 2.67 percent, at $71.19 a barrel, trading from $73.94 to $69.50, lowest since the Dec. 15
intraday low of $69.31.

CBOT-CHICAGO, Feb 5 (Reuters) - Chicago Board of Trade grains and soy complex close on Friday.

CBOT-SOYBEANS - March down 1/2 cent at $9.13-1/2 per bushel. Pressure from firm dollar, lower equities, lower crude oil and outlooks for record large South American soy production limits gains.

CBOT-SOYOIL - March down 0.21 cent at 37.00 cents per lb. Downturn in crude oil pressures soyoil. Unwinding of oil/meal spreads weighs on soyoil and lifts soymeal.

FCPO-KUALA LUMPUR, Feb 5 (Reuters) - Malaysian palm oil futures inched up 0.4 percent on Friday on expectations of postive export growth figures next weak although gains were limited by the rising dollar.

Sentiment was still weak after the dollar index, a measure of the greenback's performance against major global currencies, hit the highest in seven months on mounting concerns about south European countries's fiscal woes.

REGIONAL EQUITIES-BANGKOK, Feb 5 (Reuters) - Southeast Asian stock markets fell
on Friday as growing concern about debt problems in Europe and U.S. job data triggered broad selling in regional heavyweights, pulling indexes in Singapore and Malaysia to three-month lows.

Singapore's stock index <.FTSTI> dropped 2.2 percent to its lowest since Nov. 9, with the biggest firm, Singapore Telecoms , off 2.7 percent, while Malaysia's index <.KLSE> lost 1.4 percent as Malayan Banking fell 1.2 percent.

Breaking News-RTRS-FACTBOX-EPA sets 2010 U.S. renewable fuel standard

Feb 3 (Reuters) - The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency said that ethanol and other renewable fuels must account for 8.25 percent of total gasoline and diesel sales in 2010 to meet Congress' mandate that nearly 13 billion gallons (49.2 billion litres) of renewable fuels be produced this year.
That is lower than last year's 10.21 percent renewable fuel standard that the EPA announced in November 2008.
These rules are separate from the amount of ethanol the EPA now allows to be blended into each gallon of gasoline, which is in most cases 10 percent.

Breaking News-RTRS-US soy oil stocks 3.028 bln lbs in December - Census

WASHINGTON, Feb 4 (Reuters) - U.S. soybean oil stocks
totaled 3.028 billion lbs in December, compared to 2.886
billion lbs in November, the U.S. Census Bureau said on
Thursday.

Trader's Highlight

DJI-NEW YORK, Feb 4 (Reuters) - The Dow briefly fell below the crucial 10,000 mark on Thursday as stocks suffered their worst losses in more than nine months.

Escalating sovereign debt problems in Europe and an unexpected rise in jobless claims put investors on the defensive just ahead of Friday's crucial payrolls report.

NYMEX-NEW YORK, Feb 4 (Reuters) - U.S. crude oil futures ended 5 percent lower on Thursday, posting the steepest one-day percentage loss since July, due to a stronger dollar and weak U.S. oil demand that raised more worries about the sluggish economic recovery. Heating oil and gasoline futures finished sharply lower with crude.

On the New York Mercantile Exchange, March crude settled down $3.84, or 4.99 pct, at $73.14 a barrel, trading from $72.42 to $77.17.

CBOT-CHICAGO, Feb 4 (Reuters) - Chicago Board of Trade grains and soy complex close on Thursday.

CBOT-SOYBEANS - March up 6 cents at $9.14 per bushel. Support from oversold technical signals that led to late short-covering. Gains limited by firm dollar, prospects for huge South American soy crops and a sell-off in energies and metals.

CBOT-SOYOIL - March up 0.31 cent at 37.21 cents per lb. EPA ruling on Wednesday on renewable fuels standard was supportive for soyoil.

FCPO-KUALA LUMPUR, Feb 4 (Reuters) - Palm oil futures edged 0.5 percent higher on Thursday as strong technicals slightly offset concerns of high stocks in Malaysia, the world's second largest producer of the vegetable oil.

Palm oil is the best performing vegetable oil so far this year, falling 5.7 percent compared to a drop of 7.3 percent in U.S. soyoil and a decline of 8.8 percent in the most-active soybean oil contract on China's Dalian commodity exchange.

REGIONAL EQUITIES-BANGKOK, Feb 4 (Reuters) - Major Southeast Asian stock markets fell on Thursday as investors worried about U.S. job data and booked quick profits after a brief rally this week, with Singapore banking shares and Thai energy stocks leading the way.

The Straits Times Index <.FTSTI> ended down 0.7 percent, led by a 2.1 percent drop in top lender DBS Group Holdings and 2.8 percent loss in the biggest developer, CapitaLand .

Malaysia <.KLSE> lost 0.2 percent and Indonesia <.JKSE> eased 0.4 percent, retreating from a 1 percent gain on Wednesday, although Indonesia's central bank played down market worries over inflation, signalling it was in no hurry to raise interest rates

FCPO Daily: More strength is still needed

Market close to stayed firm at above 2500 had helped to gain a little ground. However, more strength is still needed in order to change the immediate technical landscape to look positively. Thus, we continue to look for the immediate support at 2475-2462 (gap left over on 3/2/2010) followed by 2400-2393. While, upside resistance is pegged 2520-2540.

NYMEX Crude Daily: Consolidation

A sharp decline of more than USD3 had wipe off the earlier effort. Thus, consolidate mode likely to continue in near term and market may trade in between USD78 to USD72.40. Violation of either way may provide us a more clearer market direction.

DJI Daily: Dark Cloud Covered

Dark cloud covered following prices violated the underline support at 10,000 mark. Hence, it may provide more room to bias downside potential in near term market. Next support will be looking at 9930-9850 followed by 9680. While, upside resistance is pegged at 10,300 levels.

FKLI Daily: Facing resistance

Market is facing some resistance at 1270 levels and looks may cover the downside gap left over at 1260-1259.5. Thus, market likely to move sideways to bias downside potential in near term. To the upside, resistance is pegged at 1270-1271 and support is lies at 1260-1259.5 followed by 1250 levels.

Breaking News-RTRS-Informa sees Brazil soy crop at 66.5 million T

CHICAGO, Feb 3 (Reuters) - Analytical firm Informa Economics estimated Brazil's 2009/10 soybean production at 66.5 million tonnes and Argentina's soy crop at 54.0 million tonnes, trade sources said on Wednesday.
Informa pegged Brazilian corn production for 2009/10 at 53.3 million tonnes, and Argentine corn production at 18.2 million tonnes.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture last month projected Brazil's soybean crop at 65.0 million tonnes and Argentina's soy crop at 53.0 million. USDA put Brazil's corn crop at 51.0 million and Argentina's at 15.0 million.

Trader's Highlight

DJI-NEW YORK, Feb 3 (Reuters) - U.S. stocks mostly fell on Wednesday as Pfizer's disappointing outlook weighed on the health sector, and President Obama's pledge to complete banking and healthcare reform revived fears of increased regulation.

President Barack Obama reiterated his commitment to overhaul the healthcare system and impose stricter regulatory reforms on Wall Street, underscoring the political risk that has driven U.S. stocks lower in recent weeks.

NYMEX-NEW YORK, Feb 3 (Reuters) - U.S. crude oil futures ended lower on Wednesday, with volatility heating up near the close, as a larger-than-expected build in crude stocks overwhelmed support from a surprise drawdown in gasoline stocks.

Poor demand for products, despite product drawdowns and recent frigid weather in much of the United States, remained a big drag for energy futures, traders said.

On the New York Mercantile Exchange, March crude settled down 25 cents, or 0.32 percent, at $76.98 a barrel, trading from $76.52 to $78.04.

CBOT-CHICAGO, Feb 3 (Reuters) - Chicago Board of Trade grains and soy complex close on Wednesday.

CBOT-SOYBEANS - March down 17-1/2 cents at $9.08 a bushel. Fell to day's low after traders said Informa Economics increased its forecast for South American soy production. Outlooks for bumper South American soybean production and overall abundant supply of global oilseeds weigh on prices.

CBOT-SOYOIL - March down 0.57 cent at 36.90 cents per lb.Weakness in soy complex weighs.

FCPO-KUALA LUMPUR, Feb 3 (Reuters) - Malaysian palm oil futures rose 1.9 percent on Wednesday, led by the rally in crude oil, which posted its biggest percentage gain in four months on Tuesday and also lifted other vegetable oil markets.

Palm oil has performed slightly better than other rival vegetable oils so far this year, falling just 6.5 percent compared to U.S. soyoil's 8 percent drop and declines of up to 8.5 percent in China's Dalian soybean oil.

REGIONAL EQUITIES-BANGKOK, Feb 3 (Reuters) - Singapore stocks gained 1.6 percent on Wednesday, ending a three-day losing streak and leading other Southeast Asian stock markets higher amid improving sentiment in U.S. stocks after upbeat economic data there.

The Straits Times Index <.FTSTI> was pushed up by buying in recently depressed big-caps, with top lender DBS Group up 3 percent, commodities firm Golden Agri up 4 percent and Ezra Holdings up 10 percent.

The Thai stock index <.SETI> gained nearly 2 percent, Malaysia <.KLSE> 0.3 percent, Indonesia <.JKSE> 1 percent, the Philippines <.PSI> 0.7 percent and Vietnam <.VNI> 1.6 percent.

Gainers in Kuala Lumpur were led by a 2.2 percent climb in shipper MISC and a 1.8 percent rise in telecoms firm Axiata Group .

FKLI Daily: Sideways to lower

Market rebounded a little after tested the underline support at 1250 levels. Nevertheless, overall technical landscape remains weak. Thus, market may continue to move sideways to bias downside potential in near term. We continue to look for the resistance and support at 1280-1285 and 1260-1250 levels respectively.

FCPO Daily: in Consolidation phase

Consolidation phase looks likely to extend in near term as prices move in the range between 2400-2500 levels. Thus, we continue to look for the immediate support at 2475-2462 (gap left over on 3/2/2010) followed by 2400-2393. While, upside resistance is pegged 2520-2540.

Breaking News-RTRS-UPDATE 1-INTERVIEW-Indonesia eyes Pakistan deal on palm oil

JAKARTA, Feb 2 (Reuters) - Indonesia, the world's top palm oil producer, hopes to sign a preferential tariff agreement with Pakistan this year to boost exports of the tropical oil, an agriculture ministry official said on Tuesday.
The key issue in the talks is Indonesia's request for the import duty charged by Pakistan on palm oil to be reduced to the same level as for products from Malaysia, ensuring equal treatment of the top two producers when output is ample.

Breaking News-RTRS-USDA sees 2010 US corn 12.96 bln bu, soy 3.3 bln

WASHINGTON, Feb 2 (Reuters) - The U.S. Agriculture
Department projected a corn crop of 12.96 billion bushels and a
soybean crop of 3.23 billion bushels in 2010 as part of
preparing its budget proposal for the new fiscal year.
That would be the second-largest soybean crop after the
2009 record and the third-largest corn crop after 2009 and
2007.

Trader's Highlight

DJI-NEW YORK, Feb 2 (Reuters) - U.S. stocks rallied for a second day on Tuesday as better-than-expected earnings and encouraging data calmed investors after the market's recent sell-off.

Rising sales of previously owned U.S. homes and robust earnings from bellwethers representing consumer and industrial businesses, including Whirlpool Corp and Cummins Inc , pointed to a steady rebound in demand.

NYMEX-NEW YORK, Feb 2 (Reuters) - U.S. crude oil futures surged to end settle 3.76 percent higher on Tuesday, fueled by encouraging economic data, the weak dollar and technical strength that sparked traders to cover short positions.

Refined products futures were strong as a refinery fire in Canada shut a gasoline-making unit, adding to the lift already provided by the approaching refinery maintenance season.

On the New York Mercantile Exchange, March crude rose $2.80, or 3.76 percent, to settle at $77.23 a barrel, trading from $74.40 to $77.41, highest since $78.36 was struck on Jan. 21.

CBOT-CHICAGO, Feb 2 (Reuters) - Chicago Board of Trade grains and soy complex close on Tuesday.

CBOT-SOYBEANS - March up 15-3/4 cents at $9.25-1/2 per bushel. Short-covering bounce off four-month lows. Higher crude oil and equities markets coupled with weaker dollar add support. Rally limited by outlooks for big soy production in South America.

CBOT-SOYOIL - March up 1.28 cents at 37.47 cents per lb. Support from higher crude oil and firm soybeans.

FCPO-KUALA LUMPUR, Feb 2 (Reuters) - Malaysian crude palm oil futures rebounded from morning losses to end 0.29 percent higher on Tuesday but trading was quiet as market participants factored in strong export data for January, released the day before.

The benchmark April contract on the Bursa Malaysia Derivatives Exchange rose 7 ringgit to close at 2,452 ringgit ($718.4), reversing an earlier 0.29 percent slide at midday.

REGIONAL EQUITIES-BANGKOK, Feb 2 (Reuters) - Singapore stocks fell for a third
session on Tuesday and most other Southeast Asian stock markets ended lower, failing to hold on to early optimism after strong U.S. manufacturing data.

Singapore's index <.FTSTI> finished 0.56 percent lower, with Singapore Airlines losing more than 1 percent. After the close it reported a 19.7 percent rise in quarterly profit after a recovery in cargo volume and passenger demand, although that was smaller than expected .

Malaysia <.KLSE> gained 0.37 percent on resuming trade after a holiday on Monday, with buying interest in financials. CIMB Group and Public Bank each rose 0.8 percent. AMMB Holdings gained 1 percent. The rebound in Malaysia, Southeast Asia's second-best performer after Indonesia, was expected, with a strong earnings season in prospect, broker OSK said in a research note.

NYMEX Crude Daily: Found some immediate support

Market found some cushion at USD72.40 and rebounded to gain ground. Thus, market may consolidate in near term. As for now,upside resistance is looking at USD79.00 to 80.00. Downside support is adjusted to USD72.40.

FCPO Daily: in Sideways mode

Market was in sideways mode after the recent drop. Nevertheless, immediate daily technical landscape remains in negative. As for now, we continue to look for the immediate support at 2400-2393 followed by 2370-2360. While, upside resistance is pegged 2490-2500 followed by 2520.

Breaking News-RTRS-Floods, exports to lift Malaysian palm oil price-MPOC

KUALA LUMPUR, Feb 2 (Reuters) - Crude palm oil prices are forecast to trade between 2,500 ringgit and 2,700 ringgit ($731.2-$789.7) a tonne over the next three months, Lee Yeow Chor, Chairman of Malaysian Palm Oil Council, said on Tuesday.
Prices will remain firm due to floods in Sabah, a key palm oil producing state in Borneo, and strong exports in January, Lee was quoted by the Edge Financial Daily as saying.
Lee is also group executive director of IOI Corp , Malaysia's second-biggest palm oil producer.

Breaking News-RTRS-UPDATE 2-China to keep stockpiling soy, corn in 2010

BEIJING, Feb 1 (Reuters) - China will continue a policy of stockpiling corn, soybeans and rapeseed aimed at supporting local farmers that last year led to record soy imports.
It will also keep raising its minimum purchase prices for rice while increasing grain reserves in its consuming areas, according to a government document on agricultural policy issued on Sunday.

Trader's Highlight

DJI-NEW YORK, Feb 1 (Reuters) - U.S. stocks rose on Monday as better-than-expected data on the manufacturing sector and earnings from Exxon Mobil revived bullish sentiment after stocks closed out their worst month in almost a year.

Exxon's stock gained 2.7 percent to end at $66.18 after the largest U.S. oil company reported natural gas products boosted results at its exploration arm.The S&P energy
sector index <.GSPE> rose 3 percent.

NYMEX-NEW YORK, Feb 1 (Reuters) - U.S. crude futures ended higher on Monday, lifted by the dollar's weakness versus the euro, data showing a stronger U.S. manufacturing sector and a report of consumer spending edging up in January.

On the New York Mercantile Exchange, March crude rose $1.54, or 2.11 percent, to settle at $74.43 a barrel. Monday's low was $72.49 and the high trade struck in
post-settlement trading was $74.99.

CBOT-CHICAGO, Feb 1 (Reuters) - Chicago Board of Trade grains and soy complex close on Monday.

CBOT-SOYBEANS - March down 4-1/4 cents at $9.09-3/4 per bushel. Came off session highs and turned lower as an early short-covering bounce was met with a lack of follow-through buying; declines in soymeal add weight. Expectations of bumper South American soy harvest hang over the complex, along with rumors of China switching U.S. soy orders to South American origin.

CBOT-SOYOIL - March up 0.04 cent at 36.19 cents per lb. Stronger crude oil market giving soyoil a lift.

FCPO-JAKARTA, Jan 29 (Reuters) - Malaysian crude palm oil futures dropped 0.4 percent on Friday ahead of the long weekend as market participants scaled back their expectations for January exports due out next week, traders said.

A big rise is key to easing inventories in the world's number 2 palm grower from a 13-month top in December, which together with ample global vegetable oil supplies pressured palm prices in recent weeks.

REGIONAL EQUITIES-BANGKOK, Feb 1 (Reuters) - Thai stocks eked out small gains
on Monday, recouping earlier losses caused by a rise in inflation and expectations of interest rate increases, but most other Southeast Asian markets extended losing streaks.

Singapore <.FTSTI> was down 0.3 percent, after a 0.45 percent loss on Friday, with gaming group Genting Singapore off 0.9 percent and Wilmar International down 1.2 percent.

Malaysia <.KLSE>, Southeast Asia's worst performer last week, was closed on Monday for a market holiday.

FCPO Weekly: Sideways to lower

Market momentum getting weaker and tiredness following prices tested the immediate support at 2400 levels. Thus, market may continue to move sideways to lower in near term. As for now, we are looking for the immediate upside resistance at 2500-2520 followed by 2540-2600. To the downside, immediate support is lies at 2305-2285 (gap left over on 22/11/2009).

FKLI Weekly: Weaken

Market tested the underline support at 1250 levels with printed a long black candle had weakened the immediate weekly technical landscape. Market looks may continue to move bias downside potential in near term. We are now looking for the resistance and support at 1295-1300 and 1230 levels respectively.