Breaking News-RTRS-INTERVIEW-Malaysian palm stocks to rise despite Asian festivals

YOGYAKARTA, Indonesia May 31 (Reuters) - Malaysia palm oil stocks are set to recover in May and rise faster in the next three months as Asian consumers take up more soyoil that trades at par with the tropical oil, a senior official said on Monday.
Malaysian Palm Oil Board Director (MPOB) General Basri Wahid said palm oil stocks usually fall in the June-August period as top buyers India and the Middle East stock up for religious festivals from August starting from Ramandan fasting month.
But ample South American supplies of soyoil have made the normally expensive vegetable oil trade at same level as FOB palm olein seen at $810 for June delivery, prompting a switch of orders away from Malaysia, the No. 2 palm oil producer.
Also, India has record stocks of oilseeds for crushing, discouraging crude palm oil imports from top producer Indonesia as well as Malaysia.

Trader's Highlight

DJI-NEW YORK, May 28 (Reuters) - U.S. stocks ended lower on Friday, capping off their worst month in over a year as Fitch Ratings' downgrade of Spain's credit rating reignited worries about euro-zone debt issues.

The Dow and the S&P 500 registered their worst monthly percentage losses since February 2009. Based on the latest available data, the Dow Jones industrial average <.DJI> fell 122.36 points, or 1.19 percent, to end unofficially at 10,136.63. The Standard & Poor's 500 Index <.SPX> was down 13.65 points, or 1.24 percent, to finish unofficially at 1,089.41. The Nasdaq Composite Index <.IXIC> was down 20.64 points, or 0.91 percent, to close unofficially at 2,257.04.

NYMEX-NEW YORK, May 28 (Reuters) - U.S. crude oil futures ended lower on Friday, posting their worst monthly decline since December 2008 at the height of the financial crisis, as a downgrade of Spain's credit rating sparked further euro zone
worries and prompted oil traders to seek less risky assets.

The day's retreat from a heady rally the day before accelerated past midday as Wall Street dropped sharply following news of the Fitch ratings agency's downgrade, stoking more worries that the euro-zone debt crisis would stifle global economic growth.

On the New York Mercantile Exchange, July crude settled down 58 cents, or 0.78 percent, at $73.97 a barrel, after trading from $73.13 to $75.72.

CBOT-CHICAGO, May 28 (Reuters) - Chicago Board of Trade grains and soy complex closing trends on Thursday.

CBOT-SOYBEANS - July down 14 cents at $9.37-3/4 per bushel; new-crop November down 11 at $9.07-3/4. Pressured by sell-off in corn, favorable U.S. weather and rally in the dollar.

CBOT-SOYOIL - July down 0.57 cent at 37.61 cents per lb. Following declines in soybeans and crude oil.

FCPO-JAKARTA, May 27 (Reuters) - Indonesia's palm oil exports in April fell 15.6 percent from a year ago because of a higher export tax and sluggish demand from Europe, the Indonesian Palm Oil Association (GAPKI) said on Thursday.

Indonesia exported 1.028 million tonnes of palm oil and its by-products in April, compared to 1.218 million tonnes in the same period last year, Gapki said in a statement.

REGIONAL EQUITIES-BANGKOK, May 27 (Reuters) - Southeast Asian markets gained on Thursday as investors looked for bargains among cheaply valued shares and positive sentiment in commodity markets spurred demand for energy and resource sectors.

Sentiment in the region turned more positive as the euro recovered on Thursday after comments from a Chinese official calmed some concerns that the country may be distancing itself from euro zone debt holdings.

Singapore's Wilmar International rose 1.6 percent, Malaysia's Sime Darby was up 3.03 percent and Indonesia's Astra Agro Lestari gained 0.3percent.

Trader's Highlight

DJI-NEW YORK, May 26 (Reuters) - Wall Street staged yet
another late-day reversal on Wednesday to end lower as news
suggesting China was reassessing its euro-zone debt holdings
pushed investors into profit-taking mode.

The Dow closed below 10,000 for the first time since Feb.
8. The late turnaround in stocks showing investor psyche
remains fragile, and investors are inclined to sell strength
in this volatile rumor-driven market.

NYMEX-NEW YORK, May 26 (Reuters) - U.S. crude oil futures settled
4 percent higher on Wednesday, on revived risk appetite helping
lift broader markets, combined with government data indicating
better oil demand helping to fuel a technical bounce in
oversold oil markets.

"It was a rebound back into risk assets, helped by the
durable goods data, that extended the lift from equities that
developed late on Tuesday," said Matt Smith, energy analyst at
Summit Energy in Louisville, Kentucky.

CBOT-CHICAGO, May 26 (Reuters) - Chicago Board of Trade grain and soy complex close on Wednesday.

CBOT-SOYBEANS - July up 7-1/2 cents at $9.38 per bushel; new-crop November up 7 at $9.10.
* Rebounding from Tuesday's slide on oversold technicals, firm cash markets, slow farmer selling, higher equities and gains in crude oil.

CBOT-SOYOIL - July up 0.68 cent at 37.85 cents per lb.
* Support from higher crude oil, soybeans and a rebound in equities markets in addition to support from oil/meal spreading.

FCPO-JAKARTA, May 26 (Reuters) - Malaysian palm oil futures ended
higher on Wednesday, countering a decline of more than 2 percent
the previous day, as crude oil rose on signs a U.S. supply glut
will ease.

The benchmark August crude palm oil futures on the
Bursa Malaysia Derivatives Exchange rose 0.66 percent, or 16
ringgit, to 2,452 ringgit ($813.3) a tonne, after hitting a high
of 2,480 ringgit. Traded volume stood at 14,782 lots of 25
tonnes each.

REGIONAL EQUITIES-BANGKOK, May 26 (Reuters) - Indonesian stocks surged 7.3
percent on Wednesday, rebounding from three-month lows the day
before and leading gains in Southeast Asia as Bumi Resources

In Singapore, Noble Group rose 5.6 percent after
Fitch Ratings revised the outlook on the commodity firm's
long-term foreign currency Issuer Default Rating (IDR) to
positive from stable.

Breaking News-RTRS-Soyoil prices to stay firm near term -Oil World

HAMBURG, May 25 (Reuters) - Soyoil prices are likely to remain firm in coming weeks despite current weakness in soybeans and soymeal, while China is likely to resume soyoil buying from Argentina, Hamburg-based oilseeds analysts Oil World said on Tuesday.
Global consumption of the eight main vegetable oils was likely to exceed production in April/Sept 2010, cutting stocks and supporting prices, it said.

Trader's Highlight

DJI-NEW YORK, May 25 (Reuters) - U.S. stocks staged a furious late-day rally on Tuesday to push the S&P 500 into positive territory as the focus shifted from European debt woes to buying after shares hit six-month lows.

Major U.S. indexes had fallen more than 3 percent early in the session on growing questions about the stability of the European banking system after a small Spanish bank failed over the weekend.

The Dow Jones industrial average <.DJI> dropped 22.82 points, or 0.23 percent, to 10,043.75. But the Standard & Poor's 500 Index <.SPX> gained just 0.38 point, or 0.04 percent, to end at 1,074.03. The Nasdaq Composite Index <.IXIC> shed 2.60 points, or 0.12 percent, to 2,210.95.

NYMEX-NEW YORK, May 25 (Reuters) - U.S. crude oil futures ended more than 2 percent lower on Tuesday as investors sold off to curb risks related to mounting concerns about Europe's debt crisis and on geopolitical concerns involving North and South Korea. Both developments fueled pessimism that economic recovery -- and oil demand growth -- could be stunted, analysts said.

On the New York Mercantile Exchange, July crude settled down $1.46, or 2.08 percent, at $68.75 a barrel, trading from $67.15 to $69.91. It had ended up at $70.21on Monday.

CBOT-CHICAGO, May 25 (Reuters) - Chicago Board of Trade grain and soy complex close on Tuesday.

CBOT-SOYBEANS - Fall to two-month low on pressure from a turn to warmer and drier U.S. weather, which should boost crop prospects, a firm dollar, lower crude oil and falling equities markets. July down 10 cents per bushel at $9.30-1/2. November down 12-1/2 at $9.03.

CBOT-SOYOIL - Pressure from falling soy, plunging crude oil, lower equities markets and a strong dollar.

FCPO-JAKARTA, May 25 (Reuters) - Malaysian palm oil futures fell just over 2 percent on Tuesday, despite strong export data on the vegetable oil from cargo surveyors, with the market pulled down by a further drop in crude oil and equity markets.

Oil extended a drop towards $68 per barrel on Tuesday on growing concern that Europe's debt crisis would derail the global economic recovery, and prompting investors to sell riskier assets in a flight to the safety of the dollar. [O/R]

The benchmark August crude palm oil futures on Bursa Malaysia Derivatives Exchange fell 2.17 percent, or 54 ringgit, to settle at 2,436 ringgit ($818.9) a tonne, the lowest level on Tuesday.

Overall traded volume was 15,681 lots of 25 tonnes each. Other contracts across the board also fell between 0.99 percent to 2.17 percent.

REGIONAL EQUITIES-COLOMBO, May 25 (Reuters) - Most Southeast Asian stock markets fell to multi-week lows on Tuesday due to worries over the euro zone debt crisis and tension on the Korean peninsula.

Singapore <.FTSTI> fell 2.7 percent to its lowest in nearly seven months. The market has lost 11 percent so far in May. Top lender DBS Group Holdings fell 2.2 percent and Singapore Telecom closed 3.8 percent weaker.

In Kuala Lumpur, the index touched its lowest since February 11 with a 3 percent fall in Malaysia's largest lender, Maybank , and a 3.5 percent loss in financial CIMB .

Trader's Highlight

DJI-NEW YORK, May 24 (Reuters) - U.S. stocks slid on Monday, driving the Dow to its lowest level since Feb. 10 as fresh signs of Europe's banking problems emerged. The euro zone's turbulence kept investors wary of taking on risk, after the S&P 500's 4.2 percent drop last week.

Financial shares were among the day's largest decliners, with the KBW Bank index <.BKX> falling 3.3 percent. Wells Fargo fell 4.7 percent to $28.71 after Goldman Sachs cut its rating on the stock to "neutral" from "buy."

The Dow Jones industrial average <.DJI> dropped 126.82 points, or 1.24 percent, to 10,066.57. The Standard & Poor's 500 Index <.SPX> slipped 14.04 points, or 1.29 percent, to 1,073.65. The Nasdaq Composite Index <.IXIC> fell 15.49 points, or 0.69 percent, to 2,213.55.

NYMEX-NEW YORK, May 24 (Reuters) - U.S. crude oil futures edged higher on Monday, regaining some ground after falling eight of the nine previous sessions, on bargain hunting even though euro zone worries persisted.

Technically, traders said front month crude futures appeared to have gathered support at $70 a barrel, following a recent wave of liquidations that put the market in oversold territory.

On the New York Mercantile Exchange, crude for July delivery settled up 17 cents, or 0.24 percent, at $70.21 a barrel. In choppy trading, it moved from $69.57 to $70.96.

CBOT-CHICAGO, May 24 (Reuters) - Chicago Board of Trade grain and soy complex close on Monday.

CBOT-SOYBEANS - July down 1/2 cent at $9.40-1/2 per bushel; new-crop November up 8 at $9.15-1/2. July ends weak down when it fails to convincingly penetrate above resistance at its 10-day moving average. Unwinding of bull-spreads weighs on nearbys and supports deferred months. Slow farmer selling, firm cash and persistent talk of soy orders switched from South America to the U.S. underpins soy complex.

CBOT-SOYOIL - July up 0.56 cent at 37.52 cents per lb. Rallying on optimism for a U.S. House vote, possibly Tuesday, on reinstating the U.S. biodiesel subsidy.

FCPO-JAKARTA, May 24 (Reuters) - Malaysian palm oil futures barely moved on Monday as concerns over the euro zone debt crisis could hit world economic recovery offset expectations of robust export growth for the vegetable oil.

Downbeat financial markets overshadowed the launch of CME Group's palm oil futures <0#CPO:> although traders said it would take some time for investors to use the contract for trading price differences with rival U.S. soyoil <0#BO:>.

The benchmark August crude palm oil futures on Bursa Malaysia Derivatives Exchange fell 0.04 percent percent, or 1 ringgit, to 2,490 ringgit ($825.9) a tonne on Monday. Overall traded volume was 6,019 lots of 25 tonnes each, far below the daily average of 10,000 lots.

REGIONAL EQUITIES-BANGKOK, May 24 (Reuters) - Thai stocks fell to their lowest
level in five weeks on Monday when the market reopened after a two-session break caused by political unrest, with retail and tourist sectors under pressure and foreigners continuing to sell.

Investors remained cautious over political risk despite the end of the "red shirt" protest in Bangkok, and the market was also catching up with other Asian bourses, which fell when Thai financial markets were closed last week.

Other Southeast Asian markets were mixed on the day, with Singapore <.FTSTI> up 0.8 percent but losing some of its early gain in line with the rest of the region as investors cut risk amid fears the euro zone debt crisis would hit world growth.

Thailand is Southeast Asia's cheapest bourse in terms of valuations, trading at a forward price-to-earnings ratio of 10.4, after Vietnam's <.VNI> 11.0, the Philippines' <.PSI> 12.1, Singapore's <.FTSTI> 12.2, Indonesia's <.JKSE> 12.5 and Malaysia's <.KLSE> 13.0, according to Thomson Reuters Starmine.

In Kuala Lumpur, Sime Darby fell 3.3 percent on fears Malaysia's second-biggest company by market value may have to set aside more money for potential losses at its energy division.

Trader's Highlight

DJI-NEW YORK, May 21 (Reuters) - U.S. stocks snapped a three-day losing streak on Friday as investors bought beaten-down shares including banks on bets the financial regulation bill won't be as onerous as some had feared.

Nonetheless, the benchmark S&P 500 index was down 10.6 percent from its April 23 high in what is traditionally considered a correction as investors fled risky assets on fears the euro zone's debt crisis will crimp global growth.

The Dow Jones industrial average <.DJI> gained 125.38 points, or 1.25 percent, to 10,193.39. The Standard & Poor's 500 Index <.SPX> jumped 16.10 points, or 1.50 percent, to 1,087.69. The Nasdaq Composite Index <.IXIC> rose 25.03 points, or 1.14 percent, to 2,229.04.

NYMEX-NEW YORK, May 21 (Reuters) - U.S. crude oil futures ended lower on Friday, as persistent worries that Europe's debt crisis would slow the global economic recovery pressured investors to seek safer investment alternatives.

Front-month crude futures have fallen in eight of the last nine sessions and for three consecutive weeks, with investors also worried about a glut in domestic crude inventories.

On the New York Mercantile Exchange, the new front-month contract, July , closed 76 cents lower, or 1.07 percent, at $70.04 a barrel, after trading from $69 to $71.23.

CBOT-CHICAGO, May 21 (Reuters) - Chicago Board of Trade grain and soy complex close on Friday.

CBOT-SOYBEANS - July down 3 cents at $9.41 per bushel; new-crop November down 1/2 at $9.07-1/2. Some unwinding and profit-taking of the July/November spread weighed on spot July as did corn/soy spreading. Pressure also from lower crude oil and weaker Brazilian real led to increased farmer selling.

CBOT-SOYOIL - July down 0.43 cent at 36.96 cents per lb. Weighed down by lower trend in soy.

FCPO-JAKARTA, May 21 (Reuters) - Malaysian palm oil futures extended gains on a technical rebound on Friday, lifted by stronger demand in the cash market combined with tumbling ringgit currency, traders said.

However, market players will continue to be cautious next week because they fear that worries about the impact of the European crisis and the global economic recovery could lead to selling in the palm oil market.

The benchmark August crude palm oil futures on Bursa Malaysia Derivatives Exchange rose 0.61 percent, or 15 ringgit, to 2,491 ringgit ($827) a tonne. The contract hit 2,501 ringgit in the afternoon session, the highest in nine days.

Overall traded volume was 12,806 lots of 25 tonnes each, higher than the daily average of 10,000 lots. Other contracts also firmed between 0.45 percent to 1.52 percent.

REGIONAL EQUITIES-COLOMBO, May 21 (Reuters) - Southeast Asian markets fell on Friday as investors cut positions on fears that the euro zone debt crisis will hamper world growth, completing a wave of selling this week.

Singapore <.FTSTI> lost 1.9 percent to end the week at more than a 14-week low, Indonesia <.JKSE> fell 2.6 percent to a near 11-week low and Malaysia <.KLSE> slid 1.4 percent to its lowest since March 4.

Malaysia fell for a sixth straight session, taking losses this week to 4 percent. Friday's declines were led a 3 percent decline in CIMB Group and a 2.1 percent fall in lender Maybank .

Trader's Highlight

DJI-NEW YORK, May 20 (Reuters) - U.S. stocks sank nearly 4 percent on Thursday on growing fears the euro zone's efforts to tackle its sovereign debt crisis will fall short, jeopardizing the global economic recovery.

Selling picked up speed late in the day and indexes closed around their session lows after the U.S. Senate voted to end debate on the sweeping overhaul of financial regulation, allowing a final vote on the bill later on Thursday or Friday.

The Dow Jones industrial average <.DJI> dropped 376.36 points, or 3.60 percent, to end at 10,068.01. The Standard & Poor's 500 Index <.SPX> slid 43.46 points, or 3.90 percent, to 1,071.59. The Nasdaq Composite Index <.IXIC> lost 94.36 points, or 4.11 percent, to 2,204.01.

NYMEX-NEW YORK, May 20 (Reuters) - Expiring U.S. June crude futures ended 2.66 percent lower on Thursday on high oil inventories and concerns that Europe's sovereign debt crisis will hurt economic recovery and curb oil demand growth.

Trading was volatile and crude prices fell to nine-month lows intraday before bouncing back to pare losses late in the session. But crude futures settled lower for the seventh time in eight sessions.

On the New York Mercantile Exchange, the expiring June crude fell $1.86, or 2.66 percent, to settle at $68.01 a barrel, trading from $64.24 to $71.29.

CBOT-CHICAGO, May 20 (Reuters) - Chicago Board of Trade grain and soy complex futures close on Thursday.

CBOT-SOYBEANS - July up 5-1/2 cents at $9.44 per bushel; new-crop November up 2-1/4 at $9.08. Soy turned higher when the dollar began falling, the euro rallied and crude oil moved above the day's lows. Late fund short-covering boosted soy as did slow farmer selling, firm cash markets and talk soy cargoes were being switched from South America to the U.S.

CBOT-SOYOIL - July down 0.11 cent at 37.39 cents per lb. Pressure from falling crude oil.

FCPO-JAKARTA, May 20 (Reuters) - Malaysian palm oil futures rose to their highest close in more than a week on Thursday, lifted by better export data and a weaker ringgit, traders said.

The benchmark August crude palm oil futures on the Bursa Malaysia Derivatives Exchange rose 1.68 percent, or 41 ringgit, to 2,476 ringgit ($810.4) a tonne, its highest close since May 12. Traded volume jumped to 18,658 lots of 25 tonnes each, almost double the daily average of 10,000 lots.

REGIONAL EQUITIES-COLOMBO, May 20 (Reuters) - Major Southeast Asian markets fell on Thursday as worries over euro zone debt crisis further soured investors' appetite for risk.

Singapore <.FTSTI> fell 0.8 percent, Indonesia <.JKSE> lost 1.3 percent, while Malaysia and Philippines <.PSI> slid 0.3 percent.

In Singapore, the bourse fell for a third session to hit its lowest since March 1, despite data showing the economy grew more than expected in the first quarter helped by a recovery in manufacturing.

Malaysia fell for a fifth straight session led by 1.8 percent fall in Genting and 3 percent slip in Telecom Malaysia .

Trader's Highlight

DJI-NEW YORK, May 19 (Reuters) - U.S. stocks fell on Wednesday as Germany's unilateral action to ban specific trades on some stocks and bonds sparked a fresh wave of uncertainty and risk aversion among anxious investors.

Markets already fear the euro zone's credit woes could cut into economic growth, and Germany's move late on Tuesday triggered selling of industrial shares, as they have a heavy exposure to Europe.

The Dow Jones industrial average <.DJI> slid 66.58 points, or 0.63 percent, to 10,444.37. The Standard & Poor's 500 Index <.SPX> fell 5.75 points, or 0.51 percent, to 1,115.05. The Nasdaq Composite Index <.IXIC> lost 18.89 points, or 0.82 percent, to 2,298.37.

NYMEX-NEW YORK, May 19 (Reuters) - U.S. front-month June crude oil futures settled higher and rallied more than a dollar in post-settlement trading on Wednesday, lifted by the euro's rally and by technical trading ahead of the contract's Thursday expiration.

Other futures contracts settled lower as crude oil futures reacted to volatility in foreign exchange and equities markets as Europe struggled to address its fiscal woes. A government oil inventory report got overshadowed.

On the New York Mercantile Exchange, June crude rose 46 cents, or 0.66 percent, to settle at $69.87 a barrel, trading as low as $67.90, lowest since $66.22 was struck on Sept. 30, then rallying rallying more than $2 to as high as $71.43 in post-settlement trading as of 5:00 p.m. EDT (2100 GMT).

CBOT-CHICAGO, May 19 (Reuters) - Chicago Board of Trade grain and soy close on Wednesday.

CBOT-SOYBEANS - July down 1 cent at $9.38-1/2 per bushel; new-crop November down 7-3/4 at $9.05-3/4. Ended weak on good U.S. soy planting and growing weather but July gained versus November on a rumor South American soy cargoes being switched to the United States.

CBOT-SOYOIL - July up 0.31 cent at 37.50 cents per lb. Turned firm on spreading and as crude oil moved up from the day's lows and on fund buying.

FCPO-JAKARTA, May 19 (Reuters) - Malaysian crude palm oil futures closed lower on Wednesday, along with global equities and most commodities' markets sparked by concerns over tighter financial regulation in the U.S. and Europe, traders said.

A weaker Malaysian ringgit helped to limit the drop in the palm oil futures and brought relief to refiner margins. The currency fell nearly 1 percent to 3.2500 ringgit against the U.S. dollar, limiting

The benchmark August crude palm oil futures on Bursa Malaysia Derivatives Exchange fell 0.41 percent, or 10 ringgit, to close at 2,435 ringgit ($791.37) a tonne. The contract fell to as low as 2,410 ringgit. Overall volume reached 10,979 lots of 25 tonnes each, compared with the daily average of 10,000 lots.

REGIONAL EQUITIES-BANGKOK, May 19 (Reuters) - Thai stocks gained 0.7 percent on
Wednesday as a crackdown on anti-government demonstrators boosted hopes of an end to nine weeks of protests, prompting local investors to buy beaten big-cap energy shares and banks.

Thai stocks bucked the wider trend, although foreign investors were net sellers. Elsewhere in Southeast Asia, markets closed lower on worries about moves by authorities in the euro area and the United States towards tighter financial regulation.

Singapore's stock index <.FTSTI> closed at its lowest level since early March, while Malaysia's main index <.KLSE> finished at its weakest level since mid March.

Breaking News-RTRS-Oil World Ups 2009/10 Global Soybean Crop Forecast

AMSTERDAM, May 18 (Reuters) - Growth in global vegetable oil consumption is set to gain momentum this season, helped by increasing use of edible oils for biodiesel production, oilseeds analysts Oil World forecast on Tuesday.
World consumption of vegetable oils is expected to rise by about 6 million tonnes to 137.6 million tonnes in 2009/2010, compared with an increase of 5 million tonnes in 2008/09.

Trader's Highlight

DJI-NEW YORK, May 18 (Reuters) - U.S. stocks sank on Tuesday, driven lower as the strengthening of financial regulation from Wall Street to Frankfurt crushed bank stocks, adding to worries about the sustainability of the global economic recovery.

In Washington, several Republicans will vote with Democrats to wrap up debate on the sweeping reform of financial regulations and move toward final passage, Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid said.

Officials in Germany added to the uncertain future for banks when they suddenly moved to ban naked short selling in the stocks of the country's 10 most important financial institutions. Naked short selling occurs when an investor sells shares without borrowing them first.

The Dow Jones industrial average <.DJI> fell 114.88 points, or 1.08 percent, to 10,510.95. The Standard & Poor's 500 Index <.SPX> lost 16.14 points, or 1.42 percent, to 1,120.80. The Nasdaq Composite Index <.IXIC> shed 36.97 points, or 1.57 percent, to 2,317.26.

NYMEX-NEW YORK, May 18 (Reuters) - U.S. crude oil futures rose sharply on Tuesday as concerns about Europe's debt crisis receded and helped crude oil futures bounce after falling to a five-month low the previous session.

On the New York Mercantile Exchange at 10:06 a.m. EDT (1406 GMT), June crude was up $1.85, or 2.64 percent, at $71.93 a barrel, trading from $70.30 to $72.52.

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

CBOT-SOYBEANS - July down 1-1/2 cents at $9.39-1/2 per bushel; new-crop November down 3 at $9.13-1/2. Weighed down by firm dollar, lower crude oil, plentiful global stockpile of oilseeds and outlooks for a potential bumper 2010 U.S. soybean crop.

CBOT-SOYOIL - July up 0.06 cent at 37.19 cents per lb. Light fund buying supports.

FCPO-JAKARTA, May 18 (Reuters) - Malaysian palm oil futures closed higher on Tuesday, tracking a rebound in crude oil, traders said, after hitting the lowest level in nearly four months the previous day.

Exports of Malaysian palm oil products were expected to climb further, also lifting market sentiment.

The benchmark August crude palm oil futures on Bursa Malaysia Derivatives Exchange rose 0.82 percent, or 20 ringgit, to 2,445 ringgit ($785) a tonne. Overall traded volume reached 8,611 lots of 25 tonnes each, well below the daily average of 10,000 lots.

REGIONAL EQUITIES-COLOMBO, May 18 (Reuters) - The Thai stock market recovered on Tuesday from a one-month low as anti-government protesters agreed to negotiations to end a two-month political crisis, while Singapore and Indonesia gained on bargain hunting.

Thai shares <.SETI> rose 0.9 percent and Singapore <.FTSTI> added 0.4 percent, erasing early losses. Indonesia <.JKSE> closed half a percent firmer.

But Malaysia <.KLSE> fell 0.3 percent, Philippines <.PSI> lost 0.7 percent, and Vietnam <.VNI> slid 0.6 percent.

Southeast Asia's biggest telecoms group Singapore Telecommunications rose over 2 percent, while Genting Singapore gained 1 percent.

Malaysia fell for third session led by 1.3 percent fall in Malaysia's largest lender Maybank .

Trader's Highlight

DJI-NEW YORK, May 17 (Reuters) - U.S. stocks staged a late-day comeback on Monday, reversing a 184-point drop, as the euro's rebound from a four-year low temporarily offset fears that euro-zone austerity measures could stifle global growth.

Given the euro zone's debt problems, the euro has become a proxy for risk appetite, rising and falling in tandem with U.S. stocks.

The Dow Jones industrial average <.DJI> finished up 5.67 points, or 0.05 percent, at 10,625.83, while the benchmark Standard & Poor's 500 Index <.SPX> was up 1.26 points, or 0.11 percent, at 1,136.94. The Nasdaq Composite Index <.IXIC> was up 7.38 points, or 0.31 percent, at 2,354.23.

NYMEX-NEW YORK, May 17 (Reuters) - U.S. crude futures fell for the fifth day in a row on Monday, hitting the lowest level in five months amid worries that euro zone debt troubles could stifle economic recovery and cause oil demand to falter.

Front month June crude also came under selling pressure as options on the contract expired, with the contract itself set to expire on Thursday.

On the New York Mercantile Exchange, June crude settled down $1.53, or 2.14 percent, at $70.08 a barrel, the weakest closing since Dec. 14, 209's $69.51. The day's low of $69.27 was the lowest since the intraday low of $68.59, also on Dec. 14. The contract peaked for the day at $72.25.

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

CBOT-SOYBEANS - July down 12-1/2 cents at $9.41 per bushel; new-crop November down 9-3/4 at $9.16-1/2. Weighed down by firm dollar, lower crude oil, plentiful global stockpile of oilseeds and outlooks for a potential bumper 2010 U.S. soybean crop.

CBOT-SOYOIL - July down 0.38 cent at 37.13 cents per lb. Following soybeans, with additional pressure from declines in crude oil.

FCPO-JAKARTA, May 17 (Reuters) - Malaysian palm oil futures fell to their lowest close in four months on Monday, as a drop in the crude oil price dragged down other vegetable oil markets as well, traders said.

U.S. crude oil rebounded to above $70 a barrel on Monday, after hitting its lowest in more than three months, extending a loss of nearly 18 percent so far in May on concerns over Europe's debts, the weak euro, and swollen U.S. oil inventories.

The benchmark August crude palm oil futures on Bursa Malaysia Derivatives Exchange fell 0.9 percent, or 22 ringgit, to 2,425 ringgit ($782) a tonne, its lowest since January 26.

Traded volume reached 14,915 lots of 25 tonnes each, more than the midday average of 10,000 lots. Other palm oil contracts fell between 0.81 percent to 1.15 percent.

Exports of Malaysian palm oil products for May 1-15 jumped 23.1 percent to 591,887 tonnes, from 480,966 tonnes shipped between April 1 to 15, cargo surveyor Intertek Testing Services said on Saturday.

REGIONAL EQUITIES-COLOMBO, May 17 (Reuters) - All Southeast Asia markets fell on Monday over debt worries in the euro zone, while Thai stocks slipped to a one-month low after at least 37 people were killed in violent protests in Bangkok.

Thailand <.SETI> fell 2 percent, Singapore <.FTSTI> slid 0.75 percent to a one-week low, and Indonesia <.JKSE> closed 1.4 percent weaker. Malaysia <.KLSE> shed 0.4 percent, the Philippines <.PSI> lost 1.2 percent and Vietnam closed 1.8 percent lower.

In Singapore, Oversea Chinese Banking Corp fell 0.1 percent and the country's biggest telephone firm Singapore Telecom slid 1.7 percent.

Malaysia <.KLSE> was off 0.4 percent with planter IOI Corp. and telecoms firm Axiata Group falling over 1.8 percent.

Trader's Highlight

DJI-NEW YORK, May 14 (Reuters) - U.S. stocks fell on Friday on a combination of weak earnings from retailers, Senate backing for limits on credit card fees and concerns over the sustainability of European public debt.

Bank and credit card companies' shares slumped a day after the Senate voted to limit fees charged on credit and debit card transactions. The limits added to fears that beefed-up financial reform legislation could hurt profits in the sector. Visa's stock fell almost 10 percent. have trade -- three of those four were hit," he said.

The Dow Jones industrial average <.DJI> dropped 162.79 points, or 1.51 percent, to end at 10,620.16. The Standard & Poor's 500 Index <.SPX> fell 21.76 points, or 1.88 percent, to 1,135.68. The Nasdaq Composite Index <.IXIC> lost 47.51 points, or 1.98 percent, to close at 2,346.85.

NYMEX-NEW YORK, May 14 (Reuters) - U.S. crude oil futures ended lower for the fourth session in a row on Friday and extended losses for the second straight week on concerns the euro zone recovery may be stifled and amid high U.S. oil inventories.

Traders also were rolling positions on the NYMEX front-month June contract ahead of its expiration on May 20, to the July contract, also adding pressure.

On the New York Mercantile Exchange, June crude settled down $2.79, or 3.75 percent, at $71.61 a barrel, the lowest close since Feb. 5's $71.19. It traded between $70.83, lowest since Feb. 8's $70.77 low. The day's high hit $74.13.

CBOT-CHICAGO, May 14 (Reuters) - Chicago Board of Trade grains and soy complex close on Friday.

CBOT-SOYBEANS - May expired down 12-1/2 cents per bushel at $9.48. July down 11 cents per bushel at $9.53-1/2. Weighed down by firm dollar, lower crude oil, low April soy crush number in Friday's NOPA crush report and plentiful global supply of soybeans.

CBOT-SOYOIL - May expired down 0.63 cent per lb at 37.17 cents per lb. July down 0.54 cent per lb at 37.51. Following soy and lower crude oil.

FCPO-JAKARTA, May 14 (Reuters) - Malaysian palm oil futures fell to the lowest close in more than three months on Friday as concerns over the outlook for Europe's economies rattled the market despite a weaker ringgit, traders said.

U.S. crude oil fell to a three-month low near $73 a barrel on Friday, dragged down by higher U.S. crude inventories and concerns that the European debt crisis would curb future energy demand growth. A stronger dollar also reduced the purchasing power of other currency holders for oil. [O/R]

The benchmark July crude palm oil futures on Bursa Malaysia Derivatives Exchange fell 0.61 percent, or 15 ringgit, to 2,457 ringgit ($783.7) a tonne -- the lowest close since February 2.

REGIONAL EQUITIES-BANGKOK, May 14 (Reuters) - Thai stocks eked out slim gains on Friday as investors bought beaten shares with positive corporate earnings, although political violence continued to dent broader market sentiment.

The index earlier fell to its lowest in two weeks as anti-government protesters battled troops attempting to seal off their encampment after an assassination attempt on a renegade general unleashed a new wave of violence.

Singapore <.FTSTI> slid 0.4 percent, with Singapore Telecommunications down 0.3 percent, extending its fall on Thursday after Southeast Asia's biggest telco warned of lower earnings from Singapore and India in the coming year.

Malaysia <.KLSE> was off 0.6 percent, while Sime Darby fell 4.6 percent after Sime said it had asked its chief executive officer, Ahmad Zubir Murshid, to take a leave of absence ahead of the expiry of his contract on Nov. 26, 2010. Analysts are upbeat on earnings outlook of listed firms after Malaysia recorded first quarter GDP growth of 10.1 percent, beating expectations.

Breaking News-RTRS-Malaysia's c.bank hikes rates by 25bps

KUALA LUMPUR, May 13 (Reuters) - Following is the full text of Malaysia's central bank which raised interest rates to 2.5 percent from 2.25 percent on Thursday.
TEXT: At the Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) meeting today, Bank Negara Malaysia decided to raise the Overnight Policy Rate (OPR) by 25 basis points to 2.50 percent. The floor and ceiling rates of the corridor for the OPR are correspondingly raised to 2.25 percent and 2.75 percent respectively.

Trader's Highlight

DJI-NEW YORK, May 13 (Reuters) - U.S. stocks fell on Thursday as downbeat comments on the economy from tech company Cisco Systems Inc and retail chain Kohl's Corp cast doubt on the strength of the U.S. recovery.

Cisco's warnings about a still weak labor market and Kohl's saying it was unconvinced a recovery was at hand underscored the downbeat mood among investors alreadly rattled by fears of sovereign debt defaults in the euro zone. Cisco shares fell 4.5 percent to $25.53 and Kohl's lost 5.8 percent to $53.81.

The Dow Jones industrial average <.DJI> dropped 113.96 points, or 1.05 percent, to end at 10,782.95. The Standard & Poor's 500 Index <.SPX> fell 14.23 points, or 1.21 percent, to 1,157.44. The Nasdaq Composite Index <.IXIC> lost 30.66 points, or 1.26 percent, to close at 2,394.36.

The S&P 500 gained 5.47 percent in the first three days of the week -- its biggest three-day run since July 2009. That was after last week's drop of 6.4 percent.

NYMEX-NEW YORK, May 13 (Reuters) - U.S. front-month crude oil futures fell a third consecutive session on Thursday, pressured by rising inventories, especially at the NYMEX Oklahoma delivery point, and concerns about economic recovery as euro zone struggles to contain its fiscal problems.

On the New York Mercantile Exchange, June crude fell $1.25, or 1.65 percent, to settle at $74.40 a barrel, trading from $73.62 to $76.45. The $73.62 intraday low was the weakest front-month price since $72.66 was struck on Feb. 12.

CBOT-CHICAGO, May 13 (Reuters) - Chicago Board of Trade grains and soy complex close on Thursday.

CBOT-SOYBEANS - July down 1 cent at $9.64-1/2 per bushel; new-crop November down 2-1/4 cents at $9.35-1/4. Spillover selling pressure from falling wheat and corn. Spot May held firm on rolling of short positions from the May into the July contract. May is in delivery status.

CBOT-SOYOIL - July down 0.38 cent at 38.05 cents per lb. Meal/oil spreading weighed on soyoil and lifted soymeal. Weak crude oil also weighed on soyoil.

FCPO-KUALA LUMPUR, May 13 (Reuters) - Malaysia palm oil futures hit a more than three-week low on Thursday as a stronger ringgit and weaker crude oil weighed on market sentiment, prompting players to unwind some positions.

Crude oil prices were mixed in Asian hours, with the benchmark U.S. crude contract dropping below $75 a barrel, approaching a three-month low on record stockpiles in the U.S. Midwest. Malaysian ringgit rose 0.3 percent to 3.19 per dollar after the country's central bank raised interest rates by 25 basis points to 2.5 percent.

The benchmark July crude palm oil futures on Bursa Malaysia Derivatives Exchange closed down 1.4 percent or 35 ringgit to 2,472 ringgit ($772.5) a tonne after falling at one point to as low as 2,466 ringgit, a level unseen since April 2. Overall volume stood at 12,443 lots of 25 tonnes each.

REGIONAL EQUITIES-BANGKOK, May 13 (Reuters) - Thai stocks fell to their lowest in nearly one week on Thursday after authorities imposed tougher action to end anti-government protests while other Southeast Asian stock markets were mixed amid easing euro zone worries.

Sentiment of the Thai market dampened after authorities said they would shut roads surrounding a site occupied by anti-government protesters on Thursday evening, sparking calls by demonstrators for reinforcements as tensions rise in the deadliest political crisis in 18 years.

Singapore <.FTSTI> lost 0.43 percent after earlier small gain, Malaysia <.KLSE> was up 0.21 percent and Vietnam <.VNI>, the smallest bourse, edged down 0.13 percent. Losers in Singapore were led by a 1 percent drop in Singapore Telecommunications after Southeast Asia's biggest telco warned of lower earnings from Singapore and India in the coming year having beat expectations with a 6.6 percent rise in quarterly profit.

Shares in Kuala Lumpur were higher before the release of first-quarter GDP growth which expanded by 10.1 percent in the quarter from a year ago, its fastest pace in 10years, signalling that recovery is firmly on track for the trade-dependent
Southeast Asian country. Berjaya Corp jumped 7.8 percent after company said it will buy from its major shareholder a 70 percent stake in a sports betting operator.

Maybank shares were up 1.6 percent before it announced, after the market closed, a better-than-expected third-quarter net profit.

Trader's Highlight

DJI-NEW YORK, May 12 (Reuters) - U.S. stocks capped their best three-day run in 10 months on Wednesday, lifted by technology and industrial shares after Spain unveiled an austerity plan that reassured investors Europe was addressing its fiscal ills.

Spain said it will slash civil service pay and cut public-sector jobs, just a few days after EU finance ministers approved a 750 billion euro ($1 trillion) bailout package to stem the debt crisis, cheering investors.

The Dow Jones industrial average <.DJI> rose 148.65 points, or 1.38 percent, to 10,896.91. The Standard & Poor's 500 Index <.SPX> added 15.88 points, or 1.37 percent, to 1,171.67. The Nasdaq Composite Index <.IXIC> gained 49.71 points, or 2.09percent, to 2,425.02.

NYMEX-NEW YORK, May 12 (Reuters) - U.S. crude oil futures edged lower on Wednesday as concerns about economic recovery persisted and robust stockpiles kept front-month crude oil prices curbed ahead of the government's weekly inventory report.

Trading was choppy and a lowered demand growth forecast from the International Energy Agency added to the bearish tint to the market

On the New York Mercantile Exchange at 10:00 a.m. EDT, June crude was down 10 cents, or 0.13 percent, at $76.27 a barrel, trading from $75.42 to $76.81.

CBOT-CHICAGO, May 12 (Reuters) - Chicago Board of Trade grains and soy complex close on Wednesday.

CBOT-SOYBEANS - July down 1/2 cent at $9.65-1/2 per bushel. New-crop November unchanged at $9.37-1/2. Corn/soy spreading, firm dollar and lower crude oil combined to weigh in addition to lingering pressure from USDA's forecast on Tuesday for a larger ending stockpile of U.S. soy than analysts' average estimate.

CBOT-SOYOIL - July up 0.11 cent at 38.43 cents per lb. Unwinding of meal/oil spreads lifts soyoil and weighs on soymeal.

FCPO-JAKARTA, May 12 (Reuters) - Malaysian palm oil futures edged up on Wednesday as the ringgit weakened against the U.S. dollar, but investors were reluctant to take fresh positions.

The benchmark July palm oil contract on Bursa Malaysia Derivatives rose 0.08 percent, or 2 ringgit, to 2,507 ringgit ($803.9) a tonne, after rising as high as 2,516 ringgit. Overall volume traded was 6,747 lots of 25 tonnes each, well below the daily average volume of 10,000 lots.

REGIONAL EQUITIES-BANGKOK, May 12 (Reuters) - Thai stocks ended with small gains on Wednesday after the government said it would step up efforts to end damaging anti-government protests while other regional markets pushed higher despite euro zone debt woes.

The Thai market reacted positively to the authorities' move to end a rally that has closed a Bangkok commercial district for over a month but the protesters' defiance prompted late selling.

Other Southeast Asian stock markets gained, with Singapore <.FTSTI> up 0.8 percent, Malaysia <.KLSE> up 0.3 percent, Indonesia <.JKSE> 1.2 percent and the Philippines <.PSI> up 0.2 percent, extending a jump of nearly 4 percent on Tuesday after the country's presidential election. Vietnam <.VNI>, the smallest bourse, dropped 2.8 percent, with a small foreign net outflow for the session, Thomson Reuters data showed. Some shares fell after reporting quarterly results, with Singapore's Wilmar International easing 0.3 percent. Wilmar posted a 6 percent rise in first-quarter earnings but did not see strong volume growth lasting in 2010.

Breaking News-RTRS-OPEC, EIA lift 2010 oil demand forecasts

NEW YORK, May 11 (Reuters) - OPEC and the U.S. government
on Tuesday raised their estimates for world oil demand growth
in 2010, predicting an expansion in fuel consumption as world
economies emerge from the worst slowdown since World War II.
In a monthly report, OPEC forecast world oil demand would
rise by 950,000 barrels per day (bpd) this year, up 50,000 bpd
from its previous estimate. The U.S. Energy Information Agency
forecast that global demand would grow by 1.57 million bpd, a
110,000 bpd increase from its month-ago estimate.

Trader's Highlight

DJI-NEW YORK, May 11 (Reuters) - The Dow and the S&P 500 fell in a volatile session on Tuesday as fears that a $1 trillion bailout for Europe won't solve the region's deep-seated problems blunted an improving U.S. economic picture.

In a session marked by little news and low volume compared with recent days, investors dumped stocks in afternoon trading as worries about Europe's ability to contain Greece's fiscal problems crept back into the market.

The Dow Jones industrial average <.DJI> dropped 36.88 points, or 0.34 percent, to 10,748.26. The Standard & Poor's 500 Index <.SPX> fell 3.94 points, or 0.34 percent, to 1,155.79. But the Nasdaq Composite Index <.IXIC> gained 0.64 points, or 0.03 percent, to 2,375.31.

NYMEX-NEW YORK, May 11 (Reuters) - U.S. crude oil futures rose in choppy trading on Tuesday, with refined products supportive and as OPEC raised its forecast for demand growth.

The bounce came even as the euro weakened and Monday's equities rally on the rescue package to stabilize the euro faded.

On the New York Mercantile Exchange at 10:47 a.m. EDT (1447 GMT), June crude was up 48 cents, or 0.63 percent, at $77.28 a barrel, trading from $75.36 to $77.56.


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

CBOT-SOYBEANS - July up 5 cents at $9.66 per bushel; new-crop November up 2-3/4 at $9.37-1/2. Late round of fund buying boosted futures as did short-covering and spillover support from gains in corn.

CBOT-SOYOIL - July down 0.07 cent at 38.32 cents per lb. Light fund selling weighed.

FCPO-JAKARTA, May 11 (Reuters) - Malaysia palm oil futures fell to the lowest in nearly three weeks on Tuesday on a stronger ringgit and slow demand that prompted investors to unwind positions, but expectations of low inventories offered support to prices.

The benchmark July palm oil contract on Bursa Malaysia Derivatives fell 0.95 percent, or 24 ringgit, to 2,505 ringgit ($804.1) a tonne. That contract was the lowest since April 22.

Other contracts fell between 0.95 percent to 1.25 percent. Overall volume traded was 10,402 lots of 25 tonnes each, above the average daily volume of 10,000 lots.

REGIONAL EQUITIES-COLOMBO/BANGKOK, May 11 (Reuters) - Philippine shares hit a one-week high on Tuesday after the country's presidential election, while other Southeast Asian markets ended mostly lower amid questions about a $1 trillion euro-zone debt-crisis package.

The Manila market welcomed the emergence of Benigno Aquino as a clear leader in vote counting and looked forward to a period of political stability plus efforts to tackle a large budget deficit.

Singapore <.FTSTI> and Thailand <.SETI> fell 0.9 percent and Indonesia <.JKSE> fell 1.3 percent on doubts about how Greece and other debt-laden euro-zone countries will reduce their budget deficits.

In Singapore, banking shares led the fall with United Overseas Bank losing 2.5 percent and DBS 1.6 percent.

Malaysia <.KLSE>, bucking the trend, rose 0.5 percent with a rise of over 2.5 percent in Genting Group .

Trader's Highlight

DJI-NEW YORK, May 10 (Reuters) - U.S. stocks racked up their biggest one-day gain in over a year on Monday as an agreement on a $1 trillion emergency rescue package from the EU quelled fears a new credit crisis would derail European economies.

The bailout fund approved by European leaders in the early hours of Monday drove the S&P 500 to its highest opening jump on record as indexes rushed back into positive territory for the year after last week's sharp slide.

The Dow Jones industrial average <.DJI> gained 404.71 points, or 3.90 percent, to 10,785.14. The Standard & Poor's 500 Index <.SPX> rose 48.85 points, or 4.40 percent, to 1,159.73. The Nasdaq Composite Index <.IXIC> added 109.03 points, or 4.81 percent, to 2,374.67.

NYMEX-NEW YORK, May 10 (Reuters) - U.S. crude futures rose sharply on Monday on news the huge rescue aid package attempting to stem the euro zone debt crisis that had rattled commodities and equities markets last week.

The euro rallied from last week's 14-month low against the dollar on Monday after policymakers agreed on a $1 trillion emergency package to stabilize the euro and euro zone central banks began buying local government debt.

On the New York Mercantile Exchange at 10:14 a.m. EDT (1414 GMT), June crude was up $2.11, or 2.81 percent, at $77.22 a barrel, trading from $75.80 to $78.51.

CBOT-CHICAGO, May 10 (Reuters) - Chicago Board of Trade grains and soy complex close on Monday.
NOTE: U.S. equities and crude oil markets climb following weekend news of a $1 trillion emergency package aimed at preventing Greece's debt crisis from spreading through the euro zone.

CBOT-SOYBEANS - July up 1 cent at $9.61 per bushel; new-crop November up 1/2 at $9.34-3/4. Buoyed by weaker dollar, strength in equities markets. Nearbys gain on new-crop November on bull-spreading.

CBOT-SOYOIL - July down 0.05 cent at 38.39 cents per lb. Turning mixed after early strength; losing ground to soymeal on meal/oil spreads.

FCPO-JAKARTA, May 10 (Reuters) - Malaysia palm oil futures firmed on Monday to settle 0.4 percent higher supported by low opening stocks, while investors remain cautious because of the strengthening ringgit currency.

Malaysia's April palm oil stocks fell to a 7-month low due to the combination of overseas and local demand as well as sluggish output.

Industry regulator Malaysian Palm Oil Board reported the country's April palm oil stocks fell 2.0 percent to 1,62 million tonnes from a revised 1,65 million tonnes in March. The drop was smaller than the market's expectation of a 4 percent decline.

The benchmark July palm oil contract on the Bursa Malaysia Derivatives rebounded 0.4 percent higher, or 10 ringgit, to 2,529 ringgit ($808.77) a tonne, after hitting a low of 2,507 ringgit. Overall volume traded was 14,450 lots of 25 tonnes each, compared with the daily average volume of 10,000 lots.

REGIONAL EQUITIES-BANGKOK, May 10 (Reuters) - Indonesian stocks gained over 4 percent on Monday after strong first-quarter GDP, and other Southeast Asian markets gained as worries about euro zone debt eased after a European Union package to address the crisis.

Regional markets rallied after news of a plan put together by the European Union and the International Monetary Fund to prevent a sovereign debt crisis from spreading.

Singapore <.FTSTI> rose 2.1 percent, Malaysia <.KLSE> was up 0.08 percent and Thailand <.SETI> rose more than 1 percent. In Singapore, banking shares reversed recent losses, led by a 3.7 percent surge to S$19.42 in United Overseas Bank . DBS posted a smaller gain of 1.95 percent to S$14.64.

In Malaysia, Tenaga Nasional rose 1.4 percent and financial CIMB Group was up 0.7 percent.

Trader's Highlight

DJI-NEW YORK, May 7 (Reuters) - Stocks fell in volatile trade around the world Friday on persistent fears the debt crisis in Greece could spread through the euro zone, while the dollar rose against the yen after strong U.S. jobs data.

The better-than-expected jobs figures, showing the U.S. economy added 290,000 nonfarm payroll jobs in April, gave only minimal support to risky assets. U.S. stocks traded lower and oil prices shed more than 2 percent.

The Dow Jones industrial average and Standard & Poor's 500 index posted their biggest weekly percentage declines since March 2009. The Nasdaq Composite Index had the largest weekly percentage fall since November 2008.

On Friday the Dow <.DJI> was down 113.59 points, or 1.08 percent, at 10,406.73. The S&P 500 <.SPX> was off 13.39 points, or 1.19 percent, at 1,114.76. The Nasdaq <.IXIC> was down 43.11 points, or 1.86 percent, at 2,276.53.

NYMEX-NEW YORK, May 7 (Reuters) - U.S. crude oil futures fell sharply in volatile, choppy trading on Friday as concerns about the Greek fiscal problems spreading and uncertainty after Thursday's volatile moves by the stock market offset a positive U.S. nonfarm payrolls report.

The euro relinquished gains against the dollar on the concerns that Greece's debt crisis could spread to other euro zone countries, adding to the pressure on oil.

On the New York Mercantile Exchange at 10:49 a.m. EDT (1449 GMT), June crude was down $1.77, or 2.3 percent, at $75.34 a barrel, trading from $74.51 to $78.19..

CBOT-CHICAGO, May 7 (Reuters) - Chicago Board of Trade grains and soy complex close on Friday.

CBOT-SOYBEANS - July up 6 cents at $9.60 per bushel; new-crop November up 5-1/2 cents at $9.34-1/4.

CBOT-SOYOIL - July up 0.32 cent per lb at 38.44 cents per lb. Follows soybeans higher.

FCPO-JAKARTA, May 7 (Reuters) - Malaysian palm oil futures fell on Friday on weaker external markets, while lower-than-expected April stocks and output capped losses, traders said.

The benchmark July palm oil contract on Bursa Malaysia Derivatives fell 0.16 percent, or 4 ringgit, to 2,519 ringgit ($824.21) a tonne, after dropping as low as 2,484 ringgit -- a level unseen since April 22. Overall traded volume was 15,151 lots of 25 tonnes each, compared to the usual daily average of 10,000 lots.

REGIONAL EQUITIES-BANGKOK, May 7 (Reuters) - Thai stocks fell to a one-week low on Friday as investors became less hopeful of an end to political protests plaguing the economy, and euro zone debt worries dealt a blow to regional bourses despite strong quarterly results.

In Thailand, anti-government protesters said on Friday they would stay on the streets of Bangkok until the prime minister fixed a date to dissolve parliament.

Singapore <.FTSTI> fell 0.7 percent, but Malaysia <.KLSE> rose 0.08 percent, reversing from an early fall to six-week lows. Indonesia <.JKSE> dropped 2.5 percent to near-seven-week lows.

In Kuala Lumpur, shipper MISC ended up 0.3 percent. It fell earlier after lower-than-expected fiscal 2010 net profit while broker Affin investment bank kept its "reduce" rating on the stock.

Trader's Highlight

DJI-NEW YORK, May 6 (Reuters) - U.S. stocks plunged as much as 9 percent on Thursday as losses caused by Europe's debt crisis turned into a stampede of automated selling, pushing the euro to an almost 14 month-low and gold to near record highs.

U.S. regulators investigated whether erroneous orders caused a 10-minute nose-dive that dragged the Dow Jones industrial average <.DJI> into its biggest ever intraday drop in terms of points, a fall of 998.5 points at its low point.

Nearly $1 trillion was wiped off U.S. equity values before prices clawed back much of their losses. The Dow, already down on concerns that Greece's debt crisis could spread to other euro zone countries, lost 651 points in under 10 minutes starting around 2:40 pm and then recovered all of that plunge within half an hour.

The index closed down 347.80 points, or 3.20 percent, at 10,520.32. The Standard & Poor's 500 Index <.SPX> fell 37.75 points, or 3.24 percent, to 1,128.15. The Nasdaq Composite Index <.IXIC> lost 82.65 points, or 3.44 percent, to 2,319.64.

NYMEX-NEW YORK, May 6 (Reuters) - U.S. crude oil futures slipped in choppy trading on Thursday, pressured by the stronger dollar and the euro's tumble on fears the Greek debt crisis may spread to other countries in Europe.

On the New York Mercantile Exchange at 10:24 a.m. EDT (1424 GMT), June crude was down 60 cents, or 0.75 percent, at $79.37 a barrel, trading from $78.24 to $80.3.

CBOT-CHICAGO, May 6 (Reuters) - Chicago Board of Trade grains and soy complex at the close on Thursday.
NOTE: Tumble in equities market unnerved grain markets. Pressure also from higher dollar and lower oil.

CBOT-SOYBEANS - July down 24 cents at $9.54 per bushel; new-crop November down 26-3/4 cents at $9.28-3/4.

CBOT-SOYOIL - July down 0.81 cent at 38.12 cents per lb. Lower with soybeans.

FCPO-JAKARTA, May 6 (Reuters) - Malaysian palm oil futures closed down on Thursday, tracking weaker crude oil prices, and expectations of lower palm oil output and stocks in April weighed on market sentiment.

The market will probably trade in a tight range in the near term, said one trader in Kuala Lumpur, adding that he saw the support and resistance levels for crude palm oil futures at 2,500 and 2,550 ringgit.

The benchmark July palm oil contract on Bursa Malaysia Derivatives fell 0.28 percent, or 7 ringgit, to 2,523 ringgit ($821.48) a tonne. Overall traded volume surged to 17,263 lots of 25 tonnes each, compared with the usual daily average of 10,000 lots.

REGIONAL EQUITIES-BANGKOK, May 6 (Reuters) - Indonesia's stock market fell to its lowest level in six weeks on Thursday in continued reaction to the announcement its reformist finance minister was quitting, and Greece's economic woes rattled other regional markets.

Jakarta continued to react negatively to Sri Mulyani Indrawati's decision to quit to join the World Bank in June although some analysts said the impact would be short-lived and the risk to economic policy was manageable.

Singapore <.FTSTI> eased 0.7 percent, Malaysia <.KLSE> lost 0.3 percent and Thailand <.SETI> dropped 1.5 percent. The Philippines <.PSI> edged down 0.3 percent, but Vietnam <.VNI>, Southeast Asia's best performer this year, ended up 0.3 percent.

In Singapore, the index dropped at one point to its lowest since March 5, led by banks and blue chips. United Overseas Bank dropped 1.1 percent and top developer CapitaLand was 0.8 percent lower.

Bucking the trend, Oversea-Chinese Banking Corp gained 0.6 percent to S$8.64. Broker Citi raised its target price to S$9.9 and maintained a buy rating.

In Kuala Lumpur, Sime Darby fell 0.6 percent after broker CIMB downgraded its rating to neutral from a trading buy. Credit Suisse is keeping its underweight rating on Malaysian equities, but said the Southeast Asian market was "a relatively safe place to hide" given volatile global market conditions.

Breaking News-RTRS-Unilever unit says Indonesia remains key palm oil supplier

JAKARTA, May 5 (Reuters) - The Indonesian unit of Unilever , the world's top palm oil buyer, on Wednesday said it gets 65 percent of its palm oil from Indonesia despite halting purchases from a unit of market leader Sinar Mas Group.
Unilever, which uses palm oil in such products as Dove soap and Ben & Jerry ice cream, cancelled its annual 20 million pound ($30.27 million) contract with one of its Indonesian suppliers, PT SMART in December. SMART is part of Sinar Mas Group, Indonesia's biggest palm oil producer.
The move prompted speculation that Unilever might cut palm oil purchases from other Indonesian suppliers, but a spokeswoman for the company said it was still buying from Indonesia.

Trader's Highlight

DJI-NEW YORK, May 5 (Reuters) - U.S. stocks sagged on Wednesday as more signs emerged that the fallout from the Greek debt crisis could spread to bigger European economies.

The euro hit a 14-month low as investors shunned the debt of weaker euro zone countries and jumped into safe-havens. U.S. Treasury prices and the dollar surged on fears Greece's debt problems could hinder global growth.

The Dow Jones industrial average <.DJI> dropped 58.65 points, or 0.54 percent, to 10,868.12. The Standard & Poor's 500 Index <.SPX> fell 7.73 points, or 0.66 percent, to 1,165.87. The Nasdaq Composite Index <.IXIC>lost 21.96 points, or 0.91 percent, to 2,402.29.

NYMEX-NEW YORK, May 5 (Reuters) - U.S. crude futures fell sharply on Wednesday, dropping below $80 a barrel as the euro weakened and ongoing concerns that the Greece debt crisis might spread to other euro zone countries kept investors risk adverse.

Rising U.S. inventories and demand concerns also weighed on the market after an industry group's weekly report on Tuesday showed crude supplies rose much more than expected.

On the New York Mercantile Exchange at 10 a.m. EDT (1400 GMT), June crude was down $2.85, or 3.44 percent, at $79.89 a barrel, trading from $79.15 to $82.83.

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

CBOT-SOYBEANS - July down 9 cents at $9.78 per bushel; new-crop November down 7-1/2 cents at $9.55-1/2. Pressure from unwinding of soy/corn spreads, prospects for a bumper U.S. soy crop, and pressure from a rallying dollar.

CBOT-SOYOIL - July up 0.25 cent at 38.93 cents per lb. Unwinding of meal/oil spreads supports soyoil and support from talk China may buy Brazil and/or U.S. soyoil because it is embargoing Argentine soyoil.

FCPO-JAKARTA, May 5 (Reuters) - Malaysia's palm oil futures rose on Wednesday after hitting a fresh two-week low as weaker crude oil and soy prices were offset by growing buying interest, traders said.

Benchmark July crude palm oil futures on the Bursa Malaysia Derivatives Exchange rose 15 ringgit, or 0.6 percent, to 2,530 ringgit ($816.68) per tonne. Overall volumes shot up to 18,142 lots of 25 tonnes each from the daily average of 10,000 lots.

REGIONAL EQUITIES-SINGAPORE, May 5 (Reuters) - Jakarta led the losers among Southeast Asian stock markets, dropping 3.8 percent, its biggest daily fall since December 2008, on news that its reformist finance minister is leaving her post to join the World Bank.

News of Sri Mulyani Indrawati's departure came on a day when heightened fears about Greece's debt woes spread to Asia, knocking the MSCI index of Asia ex-Japan stocks <.MIAPJ0000PUS> down by 1.9 percent.

Singapore's second largest bank OCBC recovered from early losses after it reported a 24 percent rise in first-quarter net profit, smashing analysts forecasts, but the stock finished flat.

Malaysia lost just over half a percent, led by planter Sime Darby which declined 1.5 percent.

NYMEX Crude Daily: entering into Bearish territory

Market was entering into bearish territory following prices drop sharply for consecutive 2 trading days and violated the physiological support at USD80.00. Thus, market may move sideways to lower in near term. As for now, we are looking for the immediate upside resistance at USD82.00-83.00, while downside support is lies at USD78.50-78.00.

Breaking News-RTRS-Palm oil stocks to fall, output sluggish-Oil World

HAMBURG, May 4 (Reuters) - A rise in global calendar year 2010 palm oil output will raise stocks, Hamburg-based oilseeds analysts Oil World forecast on Tuesday.
It estimated global 2010 palm oil production at 46.9 million tonnes, up 1.6 million tonnes on the year, but lagging sharply behind rises of 2.0 million tonnes in 2009 and 4.4 million tonnes in 2008.
Of the 2010 output rise, Oil World estimated only 100,000 tonnes will come from key exporter Malaysia and 1.2 million tonnes from Indonesia.

Breaking News-RTRS-Oil World raises forecast of global soybean crop

HAMBURG, May 4 (Reuters) - Hamburg-based oilseeds analysts Oil World said on Tuesday it has raised its forecast of the global 2009/10 soybean crop to 258.2 million tonnes, up 2.7 million tonnes from its previous forecast in March and up by 46.5 million tonnes from last season.
This would be above Oil World's forecast global 2009/10 soybean consumption of 234.2 million tonnes.
There was "no doubt" that world soybean supplies were now becoming excessive, it said.

Trader's Highlight

DJI-NEW YORK, May 4 (Reuters) - Investors dumped U.S. stocks on Tuesday in Wall Street's worst session in three months on the fear that even with a bailout for Greece, Europe's debt crisis could spread to other weak euro zone countries.

The sell-off echoed a wave of fear that gripped financial markets as investors fretted the crisis in Europe could derail the global economic recovery. A gauge of investor fear jumped more than 18 percent.

The Dow Jones industrial average <.DJI> lost 225.06 points, or 2.02 percent, to 10,926.77. The Standard & Poor's 500 Index <.SPX> fell 28.66 points, or 2.38 percent, to 1,173.60. The Nasdaq Composite Index <.IXIC> dropped 74.49 points, or 2.98 percent, to 2,424.25.

NYMEX-NEW YORK, May 4 (Reuters) - U.S. crude oil futures fell sharply Tuesday on the euro's tumble against the dollar amid concerns about Greece's fiscal problems spreading and expectations that inventory reports will show rising U.S. stockpiles.

Market sources also pointed to easing concerns about the leaking oil in the Gulf of Mexico disrupting production and tanker traffic in the region.

On the New York Mercantile Exchange at 10:51 a.m. EDT (1451 GMT), June crude was down $2.77, or 3.21 percent, at $83.42 a barrel, trading from $83.20 to $86.24.

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

CBOT-SOYBEANS - July up 1/2 cent per bushel at $9.87 per bushel. New-crop November down 3-1/2 at $9.63. Short-covering and strong gains in soymeal lift nearly soy as did some spillover support from a strong rally in wheat while bull-spreading weighed on deferred months. November contract also weighed down by active seeding of the U.S. soybean crop.

CBOT-SOYOIL - July down 0.33 cent per lb at 38.68. Weighed down by lower crude oil, weak soy and meal/oil spreading.

CBOT-JAKARTA, May 4 (Reuters) - Malaysian palm oil futures closed 1.53 percent lower on Tuesday, dropping for a second straight session on lower crude oil prices and a bumper soy crop in South America, traders said.

The benchmark July crude palm oil futures on the Bursa Malaysia Derivatives Exchange fell 39 ringgit, or 1.53 percent, to settle at 2,515 ringgit ($807.56) per tonne. Overall trade volume was 9,276 lots of 25 tonnes each.

REGIONAL EQUITIES-BANGKOK, May 4 (Reuters) - Thai stocks jumped more than 4 percent on Tuesday after the government proposed early elections as part of a plan to end a two-month-old political crisis, with tourism-related shares in demand.

Anti-government protesters were considering their response to the plan for November elections and other proposals aimed at healing social divisions.

The other main Southeast Asian markets weakened, with Singapore <.FTSTI> falling 1.5 percent, as investors booked profits in banking stocks even though they were expected to report positive quarterly results this week, a Singapore-based trader said.

DBS Group fell 1.6 percent, Oversea-Chinese Banking Corp lost 1. percent and United Overseas Bank was off 2.1 percent.

Malaysia <.KLSE> was down 0.3 percent, with casino operator Genting off nearly 3 percent amid concern its Malaysian operations may come under pressure following the opening of a new casino in Singapore last month.

Malaysia <.KLSE> was down 0.3 percent, with casino operator Genting off nearly 3 percent amid concern its Malaysian operations may come under pressure following the opening of a new casino in Singapore last month.

FCPO Daily: Looks tiredness

Market looks little tiredness following prices close at the day low. Consolidation phase likely to extend in near term with immediate downside support is pegged at 2503-2497 followed by 2455. while, upside resistance is looking at 2565-2580 levels.

DJI Daily: Correction phase likely to continue

Correction phase looks is likely to continue in near term following prices tumbled further. Currently, we are looking for the immediate downside support at 10,800-10,700 levels. Violation of it may provide more room to bias downside potential. To the upside, resistance is pegged at 11,258.

FKLI Daily: Dark cloud covered

Dark cloud covered following prices touch and go at the fresh high at 1352.5 to close low. Thus, market still needed more strength to build up a concrete base. Thus, it may want to cover the left over gap at 1337.5-1334.5 levels. Next support will be looking at 1327 followed by 1320 levels. Upside resistance is looking at 1352.5.

Breaking News-RTRS-Reuters Summit-UPDATE 1-High yields boost Argentine soy outlook

BUENOS AIRES, May 3 (Reuters) - Argentina's 2009/10 soy harvest should exceed a record 54 million tonnes due to bumper yields in most areas, the president of Los Grobo, one of the country's leading agricultural companies, said on Monday.
Los Grobo provides logistical and grains storage services to farmers in Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay and Uruguay, and it also produces soy, corn and wheat on some 250,000 hectares (nearly 618,000 acres) in the region.

FCPO Daily: Tight rangy mode

Market looks to move in tight range trading in between 2520-2580 levels.

Trader's Highlight

DJI-NEW YORK, May 3 (Reuters) - U.S. stocks rose broadly on Monday, with the S&P 500 posting its best day in two months as manufacturing, consumer spending and construction data showed a more vigorous economic recovery.

The Dow Jones industrial average <.DJI> gained 143.07 points, or 1.30 percent, to 11,151.68. The Standard & Poor's 500 Index <.SPX> rose 15.55 points, or 1.31 percent, to 1,202.24. The Nasdaq Composite Index <.IXIC> climbed 37.55 points, or 1.53 percent, to 2,498.74.

NYMEX-NEW YORK, May 3 (Reuters) - U.S. crude oil futures rose on Monday, although trading was choppy, amid concerns that the oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico might disrupt imports and data showing consumer spending rose in March.

Positive technicals helped push Brent crude in London above $88 a barrel, its highest level since October 2008. On the New York Mercantile Exchange at 10:13 a.m. EDT (1413 GMT), June crude was up 55 cents, or 0.64 percent, at $86.70 a barrel, trading from $85.83 to $86.79.

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

CBOT-SOYBEANS - July down 12-1/2 cents at $9.86-1/2 per bushel; new-crop November down 9-1/4 cents at $9.66-1/2. Firm dollar, deliveries on the May contract and a plentiful supply of soy weigh on soybean futures. Front-month contract trading at lowest level since April 19.

CBOT-SOYOIL - July up 0.08 cent at 39.01 cents per lb. Market edges higher on support from rally in crude oil.

FCPO-JAKARTA, May 3 (Reuters) - Malaysia's palm oil futures fell on Monday as players awaited fresh leads from a slew of key palm oil data, while a weaker ringgit currency was seen as unlikely to have an impact on the outlook for exports, traders said.

Benchmark July crude palm oil futures on the Bursa Malaysia Derivatives Exchange fell 4 ringgit or 0.16 percent to settle at 2,554 ringgit ($819.07) per tonne, after going as high as 2,565 ringgit. Overall volume was 10,366 lots of 25 tonnes each, in line with the daily average of 10,000 lots.

REGIONAL EQUITIES-COLOMBO, May 3 (Reuters) - Singapore shares fell on Monday while Indonesia closed weaker, after hitting a new record high, on global worries including the timing of recovery in Europe, negative sentiment after U.S. bomb threats and China's tightening move.

Singapore <.FTSTI> was down 1 percent and Indonesia <.JKSE>. Malaysia <.KLSE> closed flat. Thailand, Philippines, and Vietnam were closed on Monday for a public holiday.

Analysts said concerns over the debt crisis in Greece, the criminal probe in the U.S into Goldman Sachs and monetary tightening in China have hampered the sentiment while investors also wait for job data in the U.S. at the end of the week.

The fall in Singapore was led by a 0.5 percent loss in Oversea-Chinese Banking Corp , a 0.4 percent fall in United Overseas Bank and a 1.3 percent loss in DBS Group Holdings .

In Kuala Lumpur, the index was marginally up, led by a 2.3 percent rise in Genting Group .

FKLI Daily: in Sideways manner

Market remains in consolidation mode. Thus, market is likely to move in sideways manner. Upside resistance is maintain at 1350.5 and downside support is adjusted to 1337.5-1334.5 (left over gap on 30/4/2010).

Breaking News-RTRS-ANALYSIS-Wilmar: Asia's next Cargill in China?

SINGAPORE/KUALA LUMPUR, April 30 (Reuters) - Singapore-listed Wilmar is shaping up to become the Asian version of agribusiness giant Cargill [CARG.UL], with an expanding network of farms, food processors and shipping companies.
And it's showing its muscle where it matters most -- in China.
Wilmar's integrated China operations account for 44.7 percent of its $10.3 billion assets, allowing it to weather recent volatile food prices and now a likely yuan policy change.
The company had the most to gain when Beijing in April slapped import curbs on Argentine soyoil -- a commodity that competes with Wilmar's domestically crushed oilseeds in China and imported palm oil.

Trader's Highlight

DJI-NEW YORK, April 30 (Reuters) - U.S. stocks tumbled on Friday to close out the worst week since January as news of a criminal probe into Goldman Sachs unnerved investors already anxious about the prospects for heavy regulation from Washington.

U.S. prosecutors in New York began an investigation into the investment bank, a source told Reuters, raising the possibility of criminal charges two weeks after the Securities and Exchange Commission accused the bank of fraud.

The Dow Jones industrial average <.DJI> fell 158.71 points, or 1.42 percent, to 11,008.61. The Standard & Poor's 500 Index <.SPX> lost 20.09 points, or 1.66 percent, to 1,186.69. The Nasdaq Composite Index <.IXIC> dropped 50.73 points, or 2.02 percent, to 2,461.19.

NYMEX-NEW YORK, April 30 (Reuters) - U.S. crude oil futures were up nearly 1 percent on Friday, helped by upbeat first quarter U.S. economic growth data amd as the dollar fell against the euro in light of rising hopes for aid soon coming to Greece.

The U.S. economy grew at a slightly slower-than-expected pace in the first quarter, held back by inventories and exports, but resurgent consumer spending offered evidence of a sustainable recovery, a Commerce Department report showed.

On the New York Mercantile Exchange at 11:15 a.m. EDT (1515 GMT), June crude was up 76 cents, or 0.89 percent, at $85.93 a barrel, trading from $85.16 to $86.17.

CBOT-CHICAGO, April 30 (Reuters) - Chicago Board of Trade grains and soy complex close on Friday.

CBOT-SOYBEANS - July up 3 cents at $9.99 per bushel; new-crop November up 5-1/4 cents at $9.75-3/4. Support from no deliveries on the May contract as well as the weak dollar, higher crude oil and higher gold.

CBOT-SOYOIL - July down 0.22 cent at 38.93 cents per lb.

FCPO-KUALA LUMPUR, April 30 (Reuters) - Malaysian palm oil futures climbed 1.1 percent on Friday after three straight sessions of losses, although exports falling to its lowest in four months curbed gains.

Malaysian palm oil exports for April fell 13 percent to a 1,178,159 tonnes -- the lowest since December, data from cargo surveyor Intertek Testing Services showed on Friday.

The benchmark July crude palm oil contract on Bursa Malaysia Derivatives settled up 27 ringgit to 2,558 ringgit ($803.1) a tonne. Volumes dropped to 8,315 lots of 25 tonnes each from the usual 10,000 lots.

REGIONAL EQUITIES-BANGKOK, April 30 (Reuters) - Most Southeast Asian stock markets gained on Friday, helped by good results and accelerating economic growth in the region, with energy shares pushing Thai stocks higher despite the political crisis.

Signs the U.S. economy is picking up steam helped ease some worries about the global economy, even with the worries over sovereign debt in Greece and elsewhere in Europe.

Singapore <.FTSTI> was up 0.5 percent and Malaysia <.KLSE> rose 0.8 percent amid expectations of strong trade data next week, when pricing of nursing school Masterskill Education's $240 million IPO on Wednesday will provide a gauge of market appetite.

In Singapore, Oversea-Chinese Banking Corp gained 1.3 percent and United Overseas Bank was up 0.8 percent ahead of their earnings next week.

In Kuala Lumpur, Axiata rose 3.2 percent after it swung to a profit in the first quarter while technology stock Notion Vtec was up 0.9 percent after it posted strong quarterly earnings.

FCPO Weekly: in Sideways channel

Market continue to move in sideways channel and we continue to look for the upside resistance at 2722-2726 while downside support lies at 2450-2400 levels. Violation of either way may provide a clearer direction to market.

FKLI Weekly: Holding its upward posture

Nothing much changes on the immediate weekly technical landscape as we maintain positive view towards the near term market. Upside resistance maintain at 1350.5 and downside support still pegged at 1310-1300.