Trader's Highlight

DJI-NEW YORK, June 29 (Reuters) - Investors fled the U.S. stock market on Tuesday and the S&P 500 tumbled to its lowest level in eight months in a sell-off triggered by a wave of increasing alarm over the global economic outlook.

All but one stock in the S&P 500 ended lower as escalating doubts about the stability of Europe's banks roiled markets once again.

The S&P 500 had tumbled below its 2010 intraday low of 1,040.78 during the session, which analysts said could ignite further declines. The index closed at its lowest level since Oct. 30, breaking its closing low for the year at 1,050.47 -- another bearish signal for markets.

The Dow Jones industrial average <.DJI> lost 268.22 points, or 2.65 percent, to 9,870.30. The Standard & Poor's 500 Index <.SPX> fell 33.33 points, or 3.10 percent, to 1,041.24. The Nasdaq Composite Index <.IXIC> dropped 85.47 points, or 3.85 percent, to 2,135.18.

NYMEX-NEW YORK, June 29 (Reuters) - U.S. crude oil futures ended nearly 3 percent lower on Tuesday, down for a second day in a row, as economic worries sparked risk aversion and with storm worries fading as Tropical Storm Alex's path was seen averting production lanes in the Gulf of Mexico.

A sharp drop in U.S. consumer confidence, fresh concerns about economic growth in China and renewed euro zone debt issues were behind the day's economic jitters, analysts said.

On the New York Mercantile Exchange, crude for August delivery settled $2.31 lower, or 2.95 percent, at $75.94, after trading from $75.21 to $78.

CBOT-CHICAGO, June 29 (Reuters) - Chicago Board of Trade grain and soy complex close on Tuesday.

CBOT-SOYBEANS - July down 7-3/4 cents per bushel at $9.47-1/4. New-crop November down 6-1/2 at $9.12. Pressure from good U.S. crop weather, a strong dollar as equities and crude oil falter. Underpinned by news China bought more U.S. soy, slow farmer selling and tight cash markets.

CBOT-SOYOIL - July down 1.01 cents per lb at 35.93 cents per lb. Pressured by falling crude oil and equities as the dollar rallies.

FCPO-KUALA LUMPUR, June 29 (Reuters) - Malaysian crude palm oil futures slid to 7-month lows on Tuesday, as sentiment was hurt by a global selloff in stocks and commodities.

World stocks hit a 2-½ week low on Tuesday while oil and the euro also slipped as investors grew nervous over the funding situation of banks about to repay 442 billion euros ($545.5 billion) to the European Central Bank.

The benchmark September crude palm oil contract on Bursa Malaysia Derivatives Exchange lost 1.4 percent or 34 ringgit at 2,366 ringgit ($734.3) after slipping to as low as 2,362 ringgit earlier the session -- a level unseen since November 20 last year.

Volatility lifted volume to 15,008 lots of 25 tonnes each, compared to the usual 10,000 lots. It had slipped to 8,026 lots on Monday.

REGIONAL EQUITIES-BANGKOK, June 29 (Reuters) - Major Southeast Asian stock markets fell on Tuesday, wary of weakness in China's stock markets, and broad selling in financials and heavyweight shares pulled indexes down to their lowest in around two weeks.

Markets in the region suffered late selling after Shanghai shares <.SSEC> slid over 4percent as investors sold stock to make room for Agricultural Bank of China's[ABC.UL] initial public offering, dealers said.

Banking stocks were among the weak points in Singapore <.FTSTI>, Malaysia <.KLSE> and Thailand <.SETI>, each of which is poised to have its worst quarterly performance since the first quarter of 2009.

Singapore's United Overseas Bank and Thailand's Krung Thai Bank each fell 2.3 percent. Malaysian financial firm RHB Capital fell 1.4 percent and AMMB Holdings eased 0.2 percent.

Lee Cheng Hooi, head of research for equity markets at Maybank IB in Kuala Lumpur, said the trend in China hurt Malaysia, partly because it was a key export market.

Trader's Highlight

DJI-NEW YORK, June 28 (Reuters) - U.S. stocks ended slightly lower on Monday as gains in consumer-related stocks, including tobacco shares, were offset by losses in the energy sector.

Shares of Coca Cola Co and Procter & Gamble Co were two of the Dow Jones Industrial Average's best performers. Coca-Cola rose 1.6 percent to $51.08 and P&G gained 1.4 percent to $60.62.

Consumer shares rose after the government said personal spending rose moderately in May, exceeding expectations, after being flat in April.

The Dow Jones industrial average <.DJI> dropped 5.29 points, or 0.05 percent, to 10,138.52. The Standard & Poor's 500 Index <.SPX> slipped 2.19 points, or 0.20 percent, to 1,074.57. The Nasdaq Composite Index <.IXIC> shed 2.83 points, or 0.13 percent, to 2,220.65

NYMEX-NEW YORK, June 28 (Reuters) - U.S. crude oil futures ended lower on Monday as the north-northwest projected path of Tropical Storm Alex in the next few days precluded any serious threat to oil and natural gas production in the Gulf of Mexico, analysts said.

On the New York Mercantile Exchange, August crude settled down 61 cents, or 0.77 percent, at $78.25 a barrel, trading from $77.72 to $79.38.

CBOT-CHICAGO, June 28 (Reuters) - Chicago Board of Trade grain and soy complex close on Monday.

CBOT-SOYBEANS - July down 2 at $9.55 per bushel, new-crop November up 6-1/2 at $9.18-1/2. Tight nearby soy movement and firm cash lift market but improved U.S. crop weather and spillover pressure from falling wheat and corn cap gains.

CBOT-SOYOIL - July down 0.22 cent per lb at 36.94. Unwinding of meal/oil spreads weighs on soymeal and lifts soyoil but gains limited by weak crude oil.

FCPO-KUALA LUMPUR, June 28 (Reuters) - Malaysian palm oil futures rebounded to a one-week high on Monday, tracking gains in crude oil as tropical storm Alex pressured exports and production in the Gulf of Mexico.

Concerns over slower exports and evacuation of oil platforms due to the tropical storm had lifted crude oil to its eight-week highest level in Asian hours, but it later slipped below $79.

Tropical depression Alex picked up speed over the Gulf of Mexico and regained tropical storm strength on Sunday as two key Mexican oil ports remained closed.

The benchmark September crude palm oil contract gained 0.7 percent or 16 ringgit at 2,400 ringgit ($738.7) after touching an intraday high of 2,410 ringgit earlier, a level unseen since June 21. Volume was light at 8,026 lots of 25 tonnes each, versus the usual 10,000 lots.

REGIONAL EQUITIES-BANGKOK, June 28 (Reuters) - Most Southeast Asian stock markets gained on Monday as investors bought shares in companies dependent on the domestic economy such as banks and property stocks, while commodity shares tracked gains in oil prices.

Singapore's index <.FTSTI> brought a four-day fall to an end and rose 0.64 percent. Shares in Thailand <.SETI>, Indonesia <.JKSE> and the Philippines <.PSI> rose for a second day, adding 1.4 percent, 0.3 percent and 0.34 percent respectively.

In Singapore, property shares climbed higher, with top developer CapitaLand rising 0.5 percent while Keppel Land and City Development rose more than 1 percent.

In Kuala Lumpur, shares drifted lower, weighed down by a 0.3 percent fall in mobile phone network operator Axiata Group and a 0.5 percent loss in gaming group Genting .

Trader's Highlight

DJI-NEW YORK, June 25 (Reuters) - The Nasdaq and S&P 500 rose modestly on Friday on relief that the financial regulation bill wouldn't crimp Wall Street profits as badly as feared and as tech company Oracle's strong results revived hopes about business spending.

Despite the day's gains, the main stock indexes fell for the week after two straight weeks of gains and recorded their weakest performance in five weeks.

Banks climbed after lawmakers agreed on rules that did not make dramatic changes to derivatives and proprietary trading, two highly profitable businesses in lawmakers' crosshairs. The bill must still be approved by both chambers of Congress before it can be signed into law.

The Dow Jones industrial average <.DJI> was down 8.99 points, or 0.09 percent, at 10,143.81. The Standard & Poor's 500 Index <.SPX> was up 3.07 points, or 0.29 percent, at 1,076.76. The Nasdaq Composite Index <.IXIC> was up 6.06 points, or 0.27 percent, at 2,223.48.

NYMEX-NEW YORK, June 25 (Reuters) - U.S. crude oil futures ended up more than 3 percent to hit a seven-week high on Friday, as odds increased that an Atlantic storm would form and head to the Gulf of Mexico, where oil production may be disrupted.

On a broader front, crude futures also tracked financial markets. The dollar weakened against the euro, and Wall Street rose despite mixed economic data, both supportive for oil futures.

On the New York Mercantile Exchange, August crude settled up $2.35, or 3.07 percent, at $78.86 a barrel, the highest since May 5's close at $79.97. It traded from $75.90 to $79.11, the highest since May 5's high of $79.97.

CBOT-CHICAGO, June 25 (Reuters) - Chicago Board of Trade grain and soy complex futures close on Friday.

CBOT-SOYBEANS - July up 1-1/2 cents at $9.57 per bushel; new-crop November unchanged at $9.12. Slow farmer selling, tight cash markets and firm spot cash bids underpins soy futures.

CBOT-SOYOIL - July down 0.01 cent per lb at 37.16 cents per lb. Faded late as soybeans moved down from the day's highs.

FCPO-KUALA LUMPUR, June 25 (Reuters) - Malaysian palm oil futures fell 0.3 percent on Friday in light trading as key exports figures came out below expectations, leaving investors uncertain about demand, but a weaker ringgit limited losses.

Cargo surveyor Intertek Testing Services on Friday showed exports of Malaysian palm oil for June 1-25 rose 8.9 percent to 1,120,563 tonnes, compared with the same period last month.

Aother surveyor Societe Generale de Surveillance said the exports over the same period rose 6.1 percent to 1,113,923 tonnes.

Traders said the new export figures were below expectations but still showed a positive trend.

The benchmark September crude palm oil futures on Bursa Malaysia Derivatives Exchange ended down 6 ringgit at 2,384 ringgit ($737.6) a tonne. Traded volume fell to 8,947 lots of 25 tonnes each, versus the usual 10,000 lots.

REGIONAL EQUITIES-BANGKOK, June 25 (Reuters) - Indonesian shares rose on Friday
as investors bought banks on optimism about loan growth in a low interest rate environment while other markets in the region trod water amid global economic concerns.

Indonesia's benchmark stock index <.JKSE> ended up 1.13 percent, pushing its gain this year to 16.3 percent, Asia's second best performer.

State-owned lender Bank Mandiri rose 3.5 percent, the country's second-biggest lender, Bank Rakyat Indonesia , gained 2.7 percent and the state-owned Bank Tabungan Negara climbed 4.7 percent.

Singapore <.FTSTI>, Malaysia <.KLSE>, Thailand <.SETI> and the Philippines <.PSI> eked out slim gains. Vietnam <.VNI>, bucking the trend, dropped 1.3 percent. In Singapore, the Straits Times Index <.FTSTI> reversed a three-day fall following an encouraging industrial output number in May.

Trader's Highlight

DJI-NEW YORK, June 24 (Reuters) - The S&P 500 fell for the fourth straight day on Thursday as fresh signs of consumer weakness and worries about stringent financial regulation provoked investors to unload positions.

The S&P 500 has lost 3.8 percent in four days, with retailers among the biggest decliners a day after discouraging outlooks from Bed Bath & Beyond and athletic apparel maker Nike Inc .

The Dow Jones industrial average <.DJI> dropped 145.64 points, or 1.41 percent, to 10,152.80. The Standard & Poor's 500 Index <.SPX> fell 18.35 points, or 1.68 percent, to 1,073.70. The Nasdaq Composite Index <.IXIC> lost 36.81 points, or 1.63 percent, to 2,217.42.

NYMEX-NEW YORK, June 24 (Reuters) - U.S. crude oil futures settled slightly higher on Thursday after a choppy session as the dollar's weakness and a lingering threat of tropical weather in the Gulf of Mexico helped crude recover from an early slide.

Both crude futures and the dollar seesawed and traders noted crude found support at the intraday low of $75.32, which was just below technical support charted at $75.3.

Some support came on Thursday from data showing new U.S. jobless benefit claims fell last week, while orders for durable goods excluding transportation rose in May, though overall durable goods orders fell.

On the New York Mercantile Exchange, August crude rose 16 cents, or 0.21 percent, to settle at $76.51 a barrel, trading from $75.32 to $76.57, staying inside Wednesday's $75.17 to $77.83 trading range.

CBOT-CHICAGO, June 24 (Reuters) - Chicago Board of Trade grains and soy complex close on Thursday.

CBOT-SOYBEANS - July down 2-1/2 cents at $9.55-1/2 per bushel; new-crop November down 11-1/2 at $9.12. Pressured by deferred months on bull-spreading and a turn to drier weather in the U.S. Midwest that will boost growth of the 2010 crop. Tight cash and slow farmer selling underpin nearby July.

CBOT-SOYOIL - July down 0.42 cent at 37.17 cents per lb. Pressure from weak crude oil and meal/oil spreading.

FCPO-KUALA LUMPUR, June 24 (Reuters) - Malaysian crude palm oil futures made little headway on Thursday as players took positions ahead of export data expected to be strong, although lacklustre crude markets curbed gains.

This week, cargo surveyors reported a jump of at least 15.5 percent in Malaysian palm oil exports for June 1-20 from the same period a month ago. Exports for June 1-25 will be released on Friday.

The benchmark September crude palm oil futures on the Bursa Malaysia Derivatives Exchange ended 0.3 percent or 6 ringgit higher at 2,390 ringgit ($740.6) per tonne. Traded volume at 12,431 lots of 25 tonnes each, well above the usual 10,000 lots.

REGIONAL EQUITIES-BANGKOK, June 24 (Reuters) - Southeast Asian stock markets fell further on Thursday as investors sold energy and resource shares after comments from the Federal Reserve about the faltering U.S. economic recovery.

Equities in the region erased early gains and investors traded cautiously, taking their lead from U.S. stock futures, which pointed to a lower start on Thursday.

Singapore's Straits Times Index <.FTSTI> fell for a third session, losing another 0.8 percent to its lowest in almost a week. Indonesia <.JKSE> and the Philippines <.PSI> also fell for a third day, posting smaller losses.

Malaysia <.KLSE>, Thailand <.SETI> and Vietnam <.VNI> also ended the session lower, quickly reversing gains on Wednesday.

Trader's Highlight

DJI-NEW YORK, June 23 (Reuters) - The dollar weakened across the board while Treasuries rallied on Wednesday after the U.S. Federal Reserve acknowledged a faltering economic recovery and data showed sales of new U.S. homes fell to a lifetime low.

U.S. stocks, which traded mostly down since the market's open, zigzagged and closed mostly lower after the Fed issued its monetary policy statement, which suggested interest rates will remain near zero longer than expected. The Dow industrials, however, eked out a tiny gain just as the regular sesssion ended.

The Dow Jones industrial average <.DJI> edged up 4.92 points, or 0.05 percent, to end at 10,298.44, while the Standard & Poor's 500 Index <.SPX> dropped 3.27 points, or 0.30 percent, to 1,092.04. The Nasdaq Composite Index <.IXIC> fell 7.57 points, or 0.33 percent, to 2,254.23

NYMEX-NEW YORK, June 23 (Reuters) - U.S. crude oil futures fell for a second straight day on Wednesday, slipping almost 2 percent after the government reported crude oil stocks rose last week.

The U.S. Energy Information Administration's oil inventory report showed crude stocks rose 2.0 million barrels last week, against expectations for an 800,000 barrel drop.

On the New York Mercantile Exchange, front-month August crude fell $1.50 or 1.93 percent, to settle at $76.35 a barrel, trading from $75.17 to $77.83.

CBOT-CHICAGO, June 23 (Reuters) - Chicago Board of Trade grains and soy complex close on Wednesday.

CBOT-SOYBEANS - July down 7-1/2 cents at $9.58 per bushel; new-crop November down 12-1/2 at $9.23-1/2. Pressured by profit-taking from this week's one-month highs and overall satisfactory U.S. crop weather, with welcome drier conditions expected next week.

CBOT-SOYOIL - July down 0.34 cent at 37.59 cents per lb. Spillover pressure from weakness in soybeans and crude oil.

FCPO-KUALA LUMPUR, June 23 (Reuters) - Malaysian crude palm oil futures gained a touch on Wednesday, bouncing back from the previous day's slide, as the ringgit's fall lifted domestic investors' risk appetite, traders said.

The Malaysian ringgit weakened 0.4 percent, in line with other Asian currencies, as hopes faded that the Chinese yuan would appreciate quickly and boost the region's currencies. [ID:nSGE65M0C1]

The ringgit's easing has given some respite for refiners, as palm oil is priced in the Malaysian currency and its firming erodes margins.

Benchmark September crude palm oil contract on Bursa Malaysia Derivatives Exchange rose 0.3 percent or 7 ringgit to 2,384 ringgit ($741) a tonne, after falling as low as 2,371 ringgit on Tuesday. Traded volume was 13,938 lots of 25 tonnes each, well above the usual 10,000 lots.

REGIONAL EQUITIES-BANGKOK, June 23 (Reuters) - Equities in Malaysia and Thailand gained on Wednesday as investors bought airlines and sectors seen as beneficiaries of China's more flexible yuan policy although overall optimism over the yuan faded.

Other Southeast Asian bourses, including Singapore and Indonesia, regained most of their early losses, while investors awaited a rate decision by the U.S. Federal Reserve, and U.S. stocks pointed to a higher open on Wednesday. U.S. stock index futures were up 0.43 percent at 1017
GMT.

Malaysia's main share index <.KLSE> and the Thai SET index <.SETI> ended up 0.47 percent and 0.3 percent, respectively, after both lost ground early. Vietnam <.VNI> inched slightly higher.

Singapore <.FTSTI> eased 0.04 percent, Indonesia <.JKSE> and the Philippines <.PSI> each fell 0.3 percent.

Breaking News-RTRS-CHINA MAY BUY MORE U.S. SOYOIL IF TRADE DISPUTE WITH ARGENTINA IS NOT RESOLVED - OIL WORLD

HAMBURG, June 22 (Reuters) - China is likely to buy more soyoil from the United States if it cannot resolve a trade dispute with major supplier Argentina, Hamburg-based oilseeds analyst Oil World forecast on Tuesday.

Trader's Highlight

DJI-NEW YORK, June 22 (Reuters) - U.S. stocks fell more than 1 percent in yet another late-day selloff on Tuesday as unexpectedly poor housing figures and the puncture of a key technical level sapped buying interest.

Stocks marked time in a thinly traded session until the S&P 500 fell through its 200-day moving average, which had been a basis of support in the last few days.

The Dow Jones industrial average <.DJI> dropped 148.96 points, or 1.43 percent, to 10,293.45. The Standard & Poor's 500 Index <.SPX> fell 17.86 points, or 1.60 percent, to 1,095.34. The Nasdaq Composite Index <.IXIC> lost 27.29 points, or 1.19 percent, to 2,261.80. The S&P 500 ended below 1111.33, the 200-day moving average.

NYMEX-NEW YORK, June 22 (Reuters) - U.S. crude oil futures ended lower on Tuesday as traders sold off the July contract before it expired at the close and amid caution ahead of weekly petroleum inventory reports.

The day's losses developed as both the dollar and the euro fell against yen as risk appetite soured on doubts about how much China will allow the yuan to appreciate.

On the New York Mercantile Exchange, July crude settled at $77.21 a barrel, down 61 cents, or 0.78 percent, after trading from $76.53 to $78.10.

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

CBOT-SOYBEANS - July up 2-1/4 at $9.65-1/2 per bushel; new-crop November down 3 at $9.36. Supported by concerns about hot and dry weather in the U.S. Mississippi River Delta crop region, hot and dry weather in northeast China and tight available old-crop supplies.

CBOT-SOYOIL - July down 0.12 cent at 37.93 cents per lb. Pressure from soymeal/soyoil spreading.

FCPO-KUALA LUMPUR, June 22 (Reuters) - Malaysian crude palm oil futures ended 1.2 percent lower on Tuesday, in line with other vegetable oil markets, on expectations the Chinese yuan's appreciation may not translate into higher commodity demand.

China's spot yuan soared on Tuesday after the central bank set the currency's daily mid-point at the highest level against the dollar since a revaluation in July 2005, signaling the yuan's ascent may continue.

Crude oil and soyoil, which palm oil tracks, fell and some traders said commodity markets may have overreacted on China's yuan moves.

A yuan appreciation should make commodity imports cheaper and boost volumes, but it also strengthens the Malaysian ringgit , which then eats into palm oil refiner margins as the commodity is priced in that currency.

The benchmark September crude palm oil contract on Bursa Malaysia Derivatives Exchange fell 28 ringgit to 2,377 ringgit ($746.1) per tonne after touching an intraday low at 2,375 ringgit. On Monday, the contract hit a one-week high at 2,421 ringgit. Volumes stood at 12,268 lots of 25 tonnes each, above the usual 10,000 lots.

REGIONAL EQUITIES-BANGKOK, June 22 (Reuters) - Southeast Asian stock markets
fell back on Tuesday as investors had second thoughts about the immediate benefits to trade-dependent economies in the region of China's move to let the yuan be more flexible.

Singapore <.FTSTI>, Southeast Asia's biggest bourse by market value, ended down 0.5 percent -- turning round from a 1.8 percent rise the day before that took it to its highest in almost six weeks -- as the euphoria over China's currency policy faded.

Malaysia <.KLSE> lost 0.9 percent, Indonesia <.JKSE> 0.3 percent, Thailand <.SETI> 0.24 percent, the Philippines <.PSI> 0.2 percent and Vietnam <.VNI> 0.4 percent.

Singaporean palm plantation firm Wilmar International lost 1 percent and Malaysia's IOI Corp shed 1.5 percent in line with weaker Malaysian crude palm oil futures.

Trader's Highlight

DJI-NEW YORK, June 21 (Reuters) - U.S. stocks ended down on Monday as initial optimism about China's dedication to yuan flexibility faded.

Based on the latest available data, the Dow Jones industrial average <.DJI> was down 8.23 points, or 0.08 percent, at 10,442.41. The Standard & Poor's 500 Index <.SPX> was down 4.30 points, or 0.38 percent, at 1,113.21. The Nasdaq Composite Index <.IXIC> was down 20.71 points, or 0.90 percent, at 2,289.09.

NYMEX-NEW YORK, June 21 (Reuters) - U.S. crude oil futures ended at a six-week high on Monday as risk appetite improved on hopes of higher oil demand after China allowed more flexibility in its currency.

Prices rose for the second day in a row, but a late drop in the euro against the dollar limited gains. Technical resistance at around $79 for NYMEX July crude , which is expiring on Tuesday, also helped trim gains.

On the New York Mercantile Exchange, crude for July delivery settled up 64 cents, or 0.83 percent, at $77.82 a barrel, the highest close since May 5's $79.97. It traded from $76.88 to $78.92, the highest since the May 6 intraday peak of $80.3.

CBOT-CHICAGO, June 21 (Reuters) - Chicago Board of Trade grains and soy complex close on Monday.

CBOT-SOYBEANS - July up 2-1/4 at $9.63-1/4 per bushel; new-crop November up 8-1/2 at $9.39. Support from news over the weekend that China would allow the yuan to float, giving the world's top soy buyer increased buying power. Also support from a turn to hot and dry weather in the U.S. Delta Southeast and in northeast China.

CBOT-SOYOIL - July up 0.13 cent at 38.05 cents per lb. Following soybeans. Funds bought 1,000 contracts.

FCPO-KUALA LUMPUR, June 21 (Reuters) - Malaysian crude palm oil futures ended a touch higher on Monday on a broader market rally and strong export data but finished well off intraday highs as the ringgit's jump raised fears about refining margins.

The Malaysian ringgit jumped around 2 percent to a near two-month high after China moved to a more flexible exchange rate policy, lifting risk currencies on most markets.

The currency shift could make imports cheaper and boost volumes, but a stronger ringgit eats into refiners' margins since crude palm oil is priced in that currency.
The benchmark September crude palm oil contract on Bursa Malaysia rose 0.2 percent at 2,405 ringgit ($739.8) a tonne after rising earlier to a high of 2,421 ringgit, its best level since June 11. Traded volume rose to 13,643 lots of 25 tonnes each from the usual 10,000 lots.

REGIONAL EQUITIES-BANGKOK, June 21 (Reuters) - Southeast Asian stock markets climbed higher on Monday after China moved to allow the yuan more flexibility, which boosted confidence in global markets, pushing up shares in coal miners and commodity-related sectors.

Fund flows to the region sent Singapore shares <.FTSTI> to their highest in almost six weeks, Malaysia <.KLSE> hit a four-week high and Thailand <.SETI> hovered around its highest in more than two months.

Airline shares moved higher, with Singapore Airlines up 1.7 percent and Malaysian Airline Systems up 0.5 percent.

Trader's Highlight

DJI-NEW YORK, June 18 (Reuters) - U.S. stocks ground higher in another lightly traded session on Friday, ending a nervous week with gains despite signs of economic weakness at home and worries about public debt in Europe.

Major indexes rose for the second straight week even though housing and labor market data raised concern about the fragility of the recovery. The S&P 500 closed above its 200-day moving average for the third straight session, which suggests resilience.

The Dow Jones industrial average <.DJI> gained 16.47 points, or 0.16 percent, to 10,450.64. The Standard & Poor's 500 Index <.SPX> rose 1.47 points, or 0.13 percent, to 1,117.51. The Nasdaq Composite Index <.IXIC> added 2.64 points, or 0.11 percent, to 2,309.80.

NYMEX-NEW YORK, June 18 (Reuters) - U.S. crude oil futures edged up on Friday, gaining for the second week in a row, as the market tracked slightly higher prices on Wall Street.

But oil traders worried that the prospect of slower growth in China was a sign that oil demand could falter, and that helped limit the day's gains. Data earlier in the week showing crude oil inventories rose and more workers filed jobless benefit claims also weighed on crude.

On the New York Mercantile Exchange, July crude settled up 39 cents, or 0.51 percent, at $77.18 a barrel, trading from $75.56 to $77.45. It ended the week up $3.40, or 4.61 percent.

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

CBOT-SOYBEANS - July up 9 cents at $9.61 per bushel. Support from a sale of U.S. soy to an unknown destination, a sale of U.S. soyoil to China and forecasts for hotter and drier weather in the U.S. Delta Southeast. Wet weather in Canada that was trimming canola prospects also supportive.

CBOT-SOYOIL - July down 0.13 cent at 37.92 cents per lb. Late profit-taking ahead of the weekend and after early gains weighed on soyoil futures.

FCPO-KUALA LUMPUR, June 18 (Reuters) - Malaysian crude palm oil futures inched up on Friday, extending gains from the previous day, buoyed by increased optimism about the pace of the global economic recovery.

World stocks rose for a ninth day running on Friday, extending a modest rally that has seen U.S. and European shares regain all their losses for the year, as the worst fears about the euro zone sovereign debt eased.

The benchmark September crude palm oil futures on Bursa Malaysia Derivatives Exchange traded up 2 ringgit at 2,400 ringgit ($736.9) a tonne after rising as high as 2,420 ringgit earlier in the session. Traded volume rose to 11,864 lots of 25 tonnes each, versus the usual 10,000 tonnes.

REGIONAL EQUITIES-BANGKOK, June 18 (Reuters) - Most Southeast Asian stocks rose on Friday after faring better over the week as regional economic optimism shielded investors from nagging worry over European debt and mixed global economic data.

Share markets in the region gained positive fund flows in the week amid strong trade data in May, including that of Thailand and Singapore, which analysts said helped boost hopes that economic growth was on track and boded well for market outlooks.

MSCI's Singapore <.MISG00000PSG> eased 3.5 percent, compared with a 6.05 percent fall of MSCI's index of Asian shares outside Japan.

Trader's Highlight

DJI-NEW YORK, June 17 (Reuters) - U.S. stocks fell on Thursday as slowing regional factory activity and jobless claims underscored worries about the pace of the economic recovery.

Shares of manufacturers fell, including 3M Co , which was down 0.6 percent at $80.43, while the consumer discretionary sector also dragged the market lower. The S&P retail index <.RLX> declined 1.5 percent.

NYMEX-NEW YORK, June 17 (Reuters) - U.S. crude oil futures fell on Thursday amid a rise in jobless claims, a report showing factory growth plummeted in the U.S. Mid-Atlantic region and the expiration of July crude options.

Brent front-month crude finished higher, holding on to some of its early gains on optimism tied to a Spanish bond auction. NYMEX refined products also ended higher on refinery glitches and signs of improving demand, also pushing up heating
oil product crack spreads.

On the New York Mercantile Exchange, July crude fell 88 cents, or 0.88 percent, to settle at $76.79 a barrel, trading from $76.17 to $77.79.

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

CBOT-SOYBEANS - July down 5-3/4 at $9.52 per bushel; new-crop November up 1/2 at $9.25. Spot July weighed down by low soy number in USDA's weekly export sales report, including a cancellation by Japan. Other months held relatively firm versus July on wet weather in Canada that was trimming canola output prospects.

CBOT-SOYOIL - July down 0.08 cent at 38.05 cents per lb. Pressure from lower crude oil and weak close in spot July soy.

FCPO-KUALA LUMPUR, June 17 (Reuters) - Malaysian palm oil futures gained 0.8 percent on Thursday on technical buying as crude oil prices bounced off lows as investor risk appetite revived following a successful Spanish bond auction.

Crude oil, a barometer for commodity markets trimmed earlier losses and was trading above $77 a barrel on Thursday.

The benchmark September crude palm oil futures on Bursa Malaysia Derivatives Exchange ended 18 ringgit higher at 2,398 ringgit ($736.9) a tonne. The contract had hit a fresh seven-month low the previous day.

Traded volume rose to 13,435 lots of 25 tonnes each from the usual 10,000 tonnes.

REGIONAL EQUITIES-BANGKOK, June 17 (Reuters) - Indonesian shares gained more than 1 percent on Thursday and most other Southeast Asian bourses edged higher as optimism about the region's growth prospects bolstered appetite for shares reliant on domestic economies.

In Bangkok, the index hit its highest since May 4, with Total Access Communication climbing 2.8 percent on expectations the country's second-largest mobile phone firm would win a bid for 3G mobile licences scheduled for August.

Indonesia's benchmark stock index <.JKSE> rose for a fifth session, closing at its highest level since May 5, with state lender Bank Mandiri up 2.7 percent and number six lender Bank Danamon up 5.9 percent.

Malaysia <.KLSE> inched up 0.1 percent, led by financial firms, with AMMB Holdings up 1.2 percent and Hong Leong Bank 1.8 percent higher.

Singapore's main share index <.FTSTI>, bucking the regional trend, edged down 0.1 percent, turning lower after a 1 percent gain on Wednesday to its highest in almost five weeks.

Trader's Highlight

DJI - NEW YORK, June 16 (Reuters) - U.S. stocks finished flat on Wednesday as cautious comments from FedEx and weak housing market data overshadowed a surge in industrial production.

Investors were caught off guard after package company FedEx Corp , deemed an economic bellwether because it serves a wide range of industries, said higher costs would constrain 2011 earnings. FedEx shares slid 6 percent to
$78.07.

The U.S. government said housing starts fell more than expected in May, underscoring the uneven nature of the economic recovery and casting a shadow over better-than-expected industrial production data for the same month.

NYMEX - NEW YORK, June 16 (Reuters) - U.S. crude oil futures rose a third straight session on Wednesday, ending a choppy session at a six-week high amid mixed economic data and a government inventory report that showed crude oil stocks rose and gasoline stocks fell last week.

"The ability of the energy complex to advance significantly today without much assistance from the euro or equities suggests an energy momentum play at work," Jim Ritterbusch, president at Ritterbusch & Associates, said in a note.

Oil prices have rebounded from the 2010 low of $64.24 a barrel struck May 20. The S&P 500 index moved above its 200-day moving average on Tuesday, helping push NYMEX crude above its own key 200-day moving average.

CBOT - SOYBEANS - July up 8-1/4 at $9.57-3/4 per bushel; new-crop November up 9 at $9.24-1/2. Talk that China has bought one to two cargoes of beans supportive to prices in addition to support from excessive wet weather in Canada that was trimming canola output prospects. Some local flooding and excessive rainfall in portions of U.S. Midwest delaying final soy plantings. But outlooks called for warmer and drier weather over the next week to 10 days.

CBOT - SOYOIL - July up 0.32 cent at 38.13 cents per lb. Soybean strength supportive in addition to support from higher crude oil. U.S. Senate raises roadblock to biodiesel tax credit.

FCPO - KUALA LUMPUR, June 16 (Reuters) - Malaysian crude palm oil futures rose on Wednesday after hitting seven-month lows earlier in the day as healthy demand for European debt securities re-ignited hopes for global economic growth.

World stocks hit a one-month high and the euro briefly hit a two-week peak as strong gains on Wall Street and the relative success of this week's European debt auctions encouraged risk taking.

The benchmark September crude palm oil contract on the Bursa Malaysia Derivatives Exchange ended 14 ringgit higher at 2,380 ringgit ($728.5) a tonne. The contract feel earlier to a low of 2,367 ringgit, a level unseen since Nov. 20 last year.

Traded volume was heavy, almost doubling to 19,375 lots of 25 tonnes each.

REGIONAL EQUITIES - BANGKOK, June 16 (Reuters) - Indonesian shares climbed to
their highest level in six weeks on Wednesday as investors piled into index heavyweights amid general optimism over the economy on a day its central bank announced measures to manage capital flows.

Jakarta's benchmark stock index <.JKSE> finished the session 1 percent higher, at one point touching its highest since May 5.

Successful European debt auctions boosted hopes for global growth and lifted sentiment in Asian stock markets, with Singapore <.FTSTI> at its highest in almost five weeks, Malaysia <.KLSE> at four-week highs and Thailand <.SETI> six-week highs.

Trader's Highlight

DJI - NEW YORK, June 15 - U.S. stocks jumped on Tuesday as investors went on a buying binge. The S&P 500 turned positive for the year and rose above its 200-day moving average for the first time in a month, suggesting the recent downtrend may be nearing an end.

Investors were motivated by successful debt auctions in Spain, Belgium and Ireland, which lifted some of the gloom over Europe's debt crisis. The euro rallied against the dollar and pushed commodity prices higher.

The Dow Jones industrial average gained 213.88 points, or 2.10 percent, to 10,404.77. The Standard & Poor's 500 Index gained 25.60 points, or 2.35 percent, to
1,115.23. The Nasdaq Composite Index gained 61.92 points, or 2.76 percent, to 2,305.88.

NYMEX - NEW YORK, June 15 - U.S. crude oil futures ended at the highest level in more than five weeks on Tuesday, rising for the second day in a row, on heightened risk appetite as Wall Street and the euro rallied after debt auctions in Europe
raised confidence in global economic recovery.

On the New York Mercantile Exchange, July crude settled at $76.94 a barrel, gaining $1.82, or 2.42 percent. The settlement was the highest since the May 6 front-month close at $77.11. It traded from $74.62 to $77.16, the highest since the
intraday peak of $77.68 on May 11.

CBOT - SOYBEANS - July down 2 cents at $9.49-1/2 per bushel. Profit-taking after rally to one-month high weighs on market. Early support from a decline in U.S. soy condition ratings and wet weather in Canada that is expected to trim canola output and further support from gains in crude oil.

CBOT - SOYOIL - July up 0.42 cent per lb at 37.81 cents per lb. Support from gains in crude oil and unwinding of meal/oil spreads.

FCPO - KUALA LUMPUR, June 15 - Malaysian palm oil futures ended at more than 7-month lows on Tuesday as investors took profit after key export figures came in below expectations and renewed worries over Europe's debt crisis rattled equities.

Exports of Malaysian palm oil products for June 1 to 15 were down 2 percent compared to the same period last month, according to cargo surveyor Societe Generale de Surveillance.

But another surveyor, Intertek Testing Services, reported a 1.5 percent rise in palm oil products exported through ports it monitors during the period.

The benchmark August crude palm oil futures on Bursa Malaysia Derivatives Exchange fell 0.8 percent or 19 ringgit to 2,391 ringgit ($735.4) a tonne after dropping earlier to a low of 2,378 ringgit, a level unseen since Nov 20 last year.

REGIONAL EQUITIES - BANGKOK, June 15 - Indonesian shares climbed to their highest in almost a month on Tuesday as optimism over the country's sound economic fundamentals bolstered sentiment while undervalued shares elsewhere in the region attracted buyers.

Despite generally positive sentiment, Moody's downgrade of Greece's credit rating pulled Southeast Asian share markets off their highs for the day and most finished their sessions just slightly higher.

Indonesia's main share index , Asia's second best performing market this year, ended the day up 0.12 percent, after rising earlier to its highest level since May 17.

In Singapore, the index ended just flat, with commodity firm Noble Group up 2.2 percent and telecom firm Singapore Telecom down 0.33 percent.

Trader's Highlight

DJI-NEW YORK, June 14 (Reuters) - U.S. stocks ended little changed in a low-volume session on Monday after a downgrade of Greece's debt took the wind out of the market's sails.

Equities have been sensitive to debt problems in Greece and other European nations in recent months on concerns the euro zone's fiscal problems will hamper a global economic recovery.

The Dow Jones industrial average <.DJI> slipped 20.18 points, or 0.20 percent, to 10,190.89. The Standard & Poor's 500 Index <.SPX> shed 1.97 points, or 0.18 percent, to 1,089.63. But the Nasdaq Composite Index <.IXIC> inched up just 0.36 of a point, or 0.02 percent, to 2,243.96.

NYMEX-NEW YORK, June 14 (Reuters) - U.S. crude oil futures ended almost 2 percent higher on Monday, as risk appetite improved on economic recovery optimism after data showed that euro zone industrial production rose, boosting the euro and causing the dollar to decline.

But a credit downgrade of Greece by Moody's Investor Service sparked caution and limited the day's gains.

On the New York Mercantile Exchange, crude for July delivery settled $1.34 higher, or 1.82 percent, at $75.12 a barrel, trading from $74.04 to $75.99.

CBOT-CHICAGO, June 14 (Reuters) - Chicago Board of Trade grains and soy complex close higher on Monday.

CBOT-SOYBEANS - July up 5-1/4 cents at $9.51-1/2 per bushel; new-crop November up 7 at $9.16-1/4. Boosted by weak dollar, higher crude oil and strength in wheat. Front-month July gaining on new-crop November as spreads narrowed.

CBOT-SOYOIL - July up 0.49 cent at 37.39 cents per lb. Following strength in soybeans and crude oil market. Additional support from concern about weather problems curtailing canola production in Canada; canola oil competes with soyoil.

FCPO-KUALA LUMPUR, June 14 (Reuters) - Malaysian crude palm oil futures gained more than 1 percent on Monday, boosted by China's aggressive buying of soyoil.

Palm oil rivals and tracks soyoil as both vegetable oils compete for use in the food and industrial sectors. The tropical oil has been trading at a premium to soyoil due to weak Malaysian production and a bumper soy crop from South America.

In a sign the global economy is growing, the U.S. reported last week that China had bought 80,000 tonnes of soyoil, lifting Chicago futures <0#BO:> in Asian trade on Monday.

The benchmark August crude palm oil futures on Bursa Malaysia Derivatives Exchange ended 24 ringgit higher at 2,410 ringgit ($734.1) a tonne. Last week, the market fell to more than seven-month lows.

REGIONAL EQUITIES-BANGKOK, June 14 (Reuters) - Thai stocks rose 1.5 percent on Monday as higher consumer confidence boosted appetite for companies reliant on the domestic economy, while energy shares in the region got a lift from a strong oil market.

The Thai index <.SETI> ended at its highest level since May 11, rising for a fourth session as investors bought shares likely to benefit from the improving economy and as political tension eased after the end of disruptive protests in the capital.

Singapore <.FTSTI> rose 0.8 percent, Malaysia <.KLSE> edged up 0.2 percent and Vietnam <.VNI> added 0.8 percent. The Philippines <.PSI> was shut for a market holiday.

Resource shares in the region were higher with Malaysia's Tenaga Nasional up 0.12 percent, Indonesian coal firm Adaro Energy up 1.1 percent and Singapore's palm plantation firm Wilmar International up 1.4 percent.

Trader's Highlight

DJI-NEW YORK, June 11 (Reuters) - U.S. stocks rose in a late rally on Friday as a strong forecast from a chip maker lifted tech shares and helped alleviate concerns about the economy's health after an unexpected drop in retail sales.

National Semiconductor Corp rose 5 percent to $14.21 a day after it forecast margins and revenues above estimates after a horrible 2009. The Philadelphia Semiconductor index <.SOXX> rose 1.4 percent.

The Dow Jones industrial average <.DJI> gained 38.54 points, or 0.38 percent, to 10,211.07. The Standard & Poor's 500 Index <.SPX> rose 4.76 points, or 0.44 percent, to 1,091.60. The Nasdaq Composite Index <.IXIC> climbed 24.89 points, or 1.12 percent, to 2,243.60.

NYMEX-NEW YORK, June 11 (Reuters) - U.S. crude oil futures ended lower on Friday, snapping a three-day winning streak, as disappointing retail sales outshadowed a report of improved consumer mood, underlining the shaky pace of economic recovery.

Data showing slowing industrial output in China also pressured prices earlier in the day.

On the New York Mercantile Exchange, crude for July delivery settled at $73.7a barrel, down $1.70, or 2.25 percent, after trading from $73.26 to $75.64.

CBOT-CHICAGO, June 11 (Reuters) - Chicago Board of Trade grains and soy complex trends at 12:45 p.m. CDT (1745 GMT) on Friday.

CBOT-SOYBEANS - July up 4 cents at $9.39 per bushel; new-crop November up 5-3/4 at $9.00-1/2. Rallying in seesaw trade on spillover from corn and wheat, and ideas Thursday's declines were overdone.

CBOT-SOYOIL - July down 0.01 cent at 36.74 cents per lb. Pressured by declines in crude oil.

FCPO-KUALA LUMPUR, June 11 (Reuters) - Malaysian palm oil futures on Friday fell to more than seven-month lows as investors took profit due to palm oil's premium to rival soyoil in cash markets and concerns over Europe's debt crisis.

The market has lost 3.6 percent alone for this week despite bullish export and stocks data as investors remained uncertain over the recovery of the global economy. Palm oil has so far declined more than 10 percent this year.

The benchmark August crude palm oil futures on Bursa Malaysia Derivatives Exchange ended 1 percent lower to 2,386 ringgit ($723) per tonne after going as low as 2,379 ringgit -- a level unseen since Nov. 20 last year.

Overall traded volume almost doubled to 19,312 lots of 25 tonnes each, compared with the usual 10,000 lots.

REGIONAL EQUITIES-BANGKOK, June 11 (Reuters) - Indonesian shares gained more than 1 percent on Friday, leading gains in most other Southeast Asian markets, as investors bought resource shares because of strength in oil prices.

Optimism that the world economic recovery was on track despite Europe's debt woes bolstered sentiment, although stock markets in Singapore <.FTSTI>, Malaysia <.KLSE>, Thailand <.SETI> and Vietnam <.VNI> posted smaller gains.

In Singapore, banking shares extended gains amid optimism about growth in the city-state's economy, with top lender DBS Group Holdings and United Overseas Bank each rising more than 1 percent.

Trader's Highlight

DJI-NEW YORK, June 10 (Reuters) - U.S. stocks posted their best day in the last nine on Thursday in response to signs of health in the euro debt market and as investors snapped up energy shares crushed in the previous day's sell-off.

The energy sector led a broad advance with all but four stocks in the S&P 500 finishing the day higher.

The Dow Jones industrial average <.DJI> jumped 273.28 points, or 2.76 percent, to 10,172.53. The Standard & Poor's 500 Index <.SPX> rose 31.15 points, or 2.95 percent, to 1,086.84. The Nasdaq Composite Index <.IXIC> gained 59.86 points, or 2.77 percent, to 2,218.71.

NYMEX-NEW YORK, June 10 (Reuters) - U.S. crude oil ended at the highest level in nearly four weeks on Thursday, with prices up for the third straight session as solid Chinese exports data and a rosier demand forecast by the International Energy Agency encouraged investors to buy riskier assets.

Wall Street rallied on the booming Chinese exports. The dollar weakened, losing some of its safe-haven glow. The euro rose on the news from China and was also aided by a strong demand for Spanish bonds, easing some sovereign debt worry.

On the New York Mercantile Exchange, front month July crude settled up $1.10, or 1.48 percent, at $75.48 a barrel, the highest close since May 12's $75.65 settlement. It traded from $73.72 to $76.30.

CBOT-CHICAGO, June 10 (Reuters) - Chicago Board of Trade grains and soy complex closing trends on Thursday.

CBOT-SOYBEANS - July down 8-1/2 cents at $9.35 per bushel; new-crop November down 1-3/4 at $8.94-3/4.

CBOT-SOYOIL - July unchanged cent at 36.75 cents per lb. Crude oil supportive to prices but weakness in soybeans weighs.

FCPO-KUALA LUMPUR, June 10 (Reuters) - Malaysian crude palm oil futures hit fresh five-month lows on Thursday as global economic fears arising from the euro zone debt crisis outweighed upbeat industry data.

The fall ran counter to expectations for palm oil futures to gain in the afternoon session after an industry regulator said May stocks fell 3.71 percent to 1.56 million tonnes or an eighth month low.

Benchmark August crude palm oil futures on Bursa Malaysia Derivatives Exchange closed 0.3 percent lower at 2,410 ringgit ($726.3) a tonne after falling as low as 2,396 ringgit, a level unseen since Jan. 27. Traded volume fell to 8,641 lots of 25 tonnes each from the usual 10,000 lots.

REGIONAL EQUITIES-BANGKOK, June 10 (Reuters) - Singapore stocks rose to their highest in almost a week on Thursday as optimism about its second-quarter performance boosted bank shares, while good China exports figures the previous day bolstered the region.

Risk appetite in Southeast Asia generally improved following positive signs from China as well as assurances from the U.S. Federal Reserve Chairman Ben Bernanke that the U.S. economy was resilient.

Singapore <.FTSTI> ended up 1.23 percent, Malaysia <.KLSE> edged up 0.1 percent, Thailand <.SETI> edged up 0.5 percent and Vietnam <.VNI> was up 0.6 percent.

Singapore's market had fallen 4.07 percent so far this year, Southeast Asia's worst performer. It trades at a 12-month forward price to earnings of 12.5 times, lower than Indonesia's 13.2 and Malaysia's 13.0, according to Thomson Reuters' StarMine. Banking shares in the region were mostly higher on expectations they would benefit from a recovery.

In Kuala Lumpur, Malayan Banking was up 0.4 percent and financial CIMB Group gained 0.3 percent. Malaysia's economy is expected to grow 6 percent this year, Prime Minister Najib Razak said on Thursday.

Trader's Highlight

DJI-NEW YORK, June 9 (Reuters) - U.S. stocks fell on Wednesday in another late-day roller-coaster ride, dragged lower by BP and other energy shares as the U.S. probe of the oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico deepened.

New York-traded shares of BP plc fell 15.8 percent to below $30 on growing worries about the costs the energy giant will have to assume because of the spill.

The Dow Jones industrial average <.DJI> dropped 40.73 points, or 0.41 percent, to 9,899.25. The Standard & Poor's 500 Index <.SPX> fell 6.31 points, or 0.59 percent, to 1,055.69. The Nasdaq Composite Index <.IXIC> lost 11.72 points, or 0.54 percent, to 2,158.85.

NYMEX-NEW YORK, June 9 (Reuters) - U.S. crude oil futures ended up more than 3 percent on Wednesday as news of a surge in Chinese exports in May and data that U.S. crude inventories dropped more than expected last week improved risk appetite.

Crude's gains were part of an overall advance in an array of commodities. The Reuters-Jefferies CRB index comprising 19 commodities <.CRB> posted its biggest daily gain in two weeks as oil, metals and crop prices surged.

On the New York Mercantile Exchange, July crude settled up $2.39, or 3.32 percent, at $74.38 a barrel, trading from $72.03 to $74.96, highest since Friday's $75.42 intraday peak. The contract settled up 55 cents at $71.99 on Tuesday.

CBOT-CHICAGO, June 9 (Reuters) - Chicago Board of Trade grains and soy complex closing trends on Wednesday.

CBOT-SOYBEANS - July up 12-1/2 cents at $9.43-1/2 per bushel; new-crop November up 2-1/4 cents at $8.96-1/2. Rebounds from three-month low due to tight supplies around the U.S. Midwest and news of fresh sales to China. Spread between front month and deferred contract widens as expectations build for a large crop this year.

CBOT-SOYOIL - July up 0.08 cent at 36.75 cents per lb. Export interest from China boosts prices. Gains in crude oil market also supportive.

FCPO-KUALA LUMPUR, June 9 (Reuters) - Malaysian crude palm oil futures ended offfive-month lows on Wednesday after leaked China trade data showing exports surged last month suggested Asia's economic growth was on the path to recovery.

But the palm oil market stayed in negative territory on lingering concerns that the euro zone debt crisis may lead to a double-dip recession in other parts of the world.

Palm oil traders expected inventories in Malaysia to make little headway in May despite strong exports as production rose and crude palm oil imports from Indonesia were steady -- a scenario still weighing on prices.

The benchmark August crude palm oil futures on the Bursa Malaysia Derivatives Exchange ended down 14 ringgit at 2,418 ringgit ($727) after going as low as 2,402 ringgit -- a level unseen since Jan. 27. Traded volume more than doubled to 25,459 lots of 25 tonnes each from the usual 10,000 lots.

REGIONAL EQUITIES-BANGKOK, June 9 (Reuters) - Southeast Asian stock markets ended mostly firmer on Wednesday as news of stronger-than-expected exports from China offset worries that Europe's debt problems would stifle demand for Asian goods.

Thailand <.SETI> climbed 0.9 percent, ending two sessions of falls, with financials and energy stocks higher. Malaysia <.KLSE> and Indonesia <.JKSE> both posted small gains while Singapore <.FTSTI> and the Philippines <.PSI> drifted lower.

In Kuala Lumpur, AirAsia jumped 4.7 percent after a newspaper reported its long-haul budget carrier, AirAsia X, planned to launch an initial public offering in the second half of 2011 to tap public funds for growth. [ID:nSGE6570QA]

In Singapore, big caps pulled the market lower. Top lender DBS Group Holdings and the biggest developer CapitaLand both fell 0.6 percent.

Trader's Highlight

DJI-NEW YORK, June 8 (Reuters) - U.S. stocks mostly rose in volatile trading on Tuesday, led by materials and financial shares, but investors shied away from big-cap technology shares on concerns about their European exposure.

Once again, the market was treated to late-day volatility, this time with stocks closing at or near session highs after a wobbly session.

The Dow Jones industrial average <.DJI> gained 123.49 points, or 1.26 percent, to 9,939.98. The Standard & Poor's 500 Index <.SPX> rose 11.53 points, or 1.10 percent, to 1,062.00. But the Nasdaq Composite Index <.IXIC> dropped 3.33 points, or 0.15 percent, to 2,170.57.

NYMEX-NEW YORK, June 8 (Reuters) - U.S. crude oil futures rebounded on Tuesday as risk appetite improved with the dollar weakening against the euro and ahead of inventory data forecast to show that domestic crude stocks fell last week.

Crude got an early lift from Wall Street, which opened higher the session after Federal Reserve Chairman Ben Bernanke said the U.S. economy appeared to have enough momentum to avoid a double-dip recession.

On the New York Mercantile Exchange, crude for July delivery settled up 55 cents, or 0.77 percent, at $71.99 a barrel. It was an "inside day" for July crude, trading from $70.75 to $72.40, against Monday's $69.51 to $72.49 range.

CBOT-CHICAGO, June 8 (Reuters) - U.S. soybean futures fell on Tuesday due to strong crop ratings from the U.S. Agriculture Department and technical selling.

CBOT-SOYBEANS - July last down 8 cents at $9.27 per bushel. USDA soybean ratings 75 percent good to excellent, planting 84 percent complete, topping forecasts for 70 percent.

CBOT-SOYOIL - July last up 0.18 cent at 36.65 cents per lb. Strength in crude oil supportive.

FCPO-KUALA LUMPUR, June 8 (Reuters) - Malaysian crude palm oil futures hit fresh one-week lows on Tuesday as concerns over the fiscal health of European economies sapped sentiment.

Expectations of higher Malaysian production in May partly weighed on the market, which has dropped nearly 9 percent so far this year.

A Reuters poll showed output rose 6 percent in the last month from April although resilient local and foreign demand put stocks in the world's No. 2 producer at 8-month lows.

The benchmark August crude palm oil futures on the Bursa Malaysia Derivatives Exchange traded 0.7 percent lower to 2,431 ringgit ($733.3) per tonne. Traded volume was heavy, rising to 14,202 lots of 25 tonnes each from the usual 10,000 lots.

REGIONAL EQUITIES-BANGKOK, June 8 (Reuters) - Indonesian shares climbed 1 percent on Tuesday while most Southeast Asian stocks ended mixed as energy and resource shares recouped recent losses.

Several bourses in the region took a breather after recent sell-offs on concern about euro zone debt and ahead of Chinese economic data and a European Central Bank meeting later in the week.

Singapore <.FTSTI> and Thailand <.SETI> ended off their day's highs, edging down 0.2 percent and 0.3 percent respectively. Malaysia <.KLSE> was up 0.15 percent, the Philippines <.PSI> was 0.3 percent higher and Vietnam <.VNI> inched up 0.06 percent.

Palm oil shares in the region were weaker, with Malaysia's Sime Darby down 0.13 percent, IOI Corp down 0.2 percent and Singapore-listed Wilmar International down 0.5 percent.

Broker CIMB Investment Bank downgraded Asian Plantation sector from overweight to neutral as earnings growth momentum was slowing and there was downside risk to crude palm oil (CPO) price forecasts if the euro debt crisis spread.

Breaking News-RTRS-MALAYSIA'S END-MAY PALM OIL STOCKS SEEN DOWN 0.6 PCT AT 1.61 MLN TONNES VS APRIL -REUTERS POLL

KUALA LUMPUR, June 8 (Reuters) - Malaysia's May palm oil
stocks slipped 0.6 percent to eight-month lows as domestic and
foreign demand still outpaced a rise in output, a Reuters poll
showed on Tuesday.
Stocks in the world's No.2 palm oil producer fell for the
fifth straight month to hit 1.61 million tonnes with the decline
slowing on growing crude palm oil imports from rival Indonesia,
the poll of five plantation houses showed.

Trader's Highlight

DJI-NEW YORK, June 7 (Reuters) - U.S. stocks fell on Monday, taking the S&P 500 to its lowest close in seven months, as industrials and technology shares fell and investors stayed on their heels after last week's payrolls figure discouraged buyers.

The Nasdaq fared the worst as investors unloaded positions in the most liquid large-cap technology shares. Research in Motion Ltd fell 5.2 percent to $56.56 on worries about the BlackBerry's sales and after the introduction of Apple's latest iPhone. Apple Inc lost 1.9 percent.

The Dow Jones industrial average <.DJI> fell 115.48 points, or 1.16 percent, to 9,816.49. The Standard & Poor's 500 Index <.SPX> slid 14.41 points, or 1.35 percent, to 1,050.47. The Nasdaq Composite Index <.IXIC> tumbled 45.27 points, or 2.04 percent, to 2,173.90.

NYMEX-NEW YORK, June 7 (Reuters) - U.S. crude oil futures were down on Monday, though well off early lows, as euro zone economic worries remained, after some bargain-hunting pared sharp losses earlier in the day.

The losses stuck, despite a higher opening on Wall Street on strong German factory data that eased some euro-zone concerns [.N].

On the New York Mercantile Exchange at 9:47 a.m. EDT (1347 GMT), July crude was down 55 cents, or 0.77 percent, at $70.96 a barrel, trading from $69.51 to $71.95.

CBOT-CHICAGO, June 7 (Reuters) - U.S. corn, soybean and wheat futures fell on Monday as forecasts for good weather bolstered expectations of large crops this year.

CBOT-SOYBEANS - July last down 1/2 cent at $9.34-1/2 per bushel. Tight cash markets limited declines in soybean prices.

CBOT-SOYOIL - July last down 0.32 cent at 36.46 cents per lb. Choppy, prices followed fluctuations in soyoil market throughout the trading day.

FCPO-KUALA LUMPUR, June 7 (Reuters) - Malaysian crude palm oil futures dropped to one-week lows as renewed economic concerns hit financial markets and the U.S. dollar gained.

Expectations for a slight rise in Malaysia's stocks last month also dampened sentiment in a market that has lost 8 percent so far this year on slower demand and the euro zone debt crisis.

The benchmark August crude palm oil futures on the Bursa Malaysia Derivatives Exchange fell as much as 1.5 percent, to 2,437 ringgit ($744.3) a tonne, a level unseen since June 1.

The contract ended at 2,449 ringgit, down 25 ringgit on the day, with volumes at 14,255 lots of 25 tonnes each.

REGIONAL EQUITIES-BANGKOK, June 7 (Reuters) - Indonesian shares fell to their lowest level in over a week on Monday and other Southeast Asian
stock markets also moved lower as resource shares came under selling pressure because of lower commodity prices.

Sentiment in the region was hurt by disappointing U.S. job data and as fears mounted that European debt problems would worsen, pushing Singapore <.FTSTI>, Malaysia <.KLSE>, Thailand <.SETI> and the Philippines <.PSI> down.

In Singapore, top lender DBS fell 2.8 percent and bourse operator Singapore Exchange lost 2.3 percent

In Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia's CIMB Group was down 0.4 percent. The Stock Exchange of Thailand said the listing of CIMB in Bangkok would be delayed for a few months from June.

Trader's Highlight

DJI-NEW YORK, June 4 (Reuters) - U.S. stocks could face further pressure next week unless investors get some relief from worries about Europe, jobs and the toll they might take on the economic recovery.

Reports on retail sales and consumer sentiment, both of which should offer clues on the outlook for spending, are among the coming week's major economic indicators. Also on tap will be international trade data.

For the week, the Dow Jones industrial average <.DJI> fell 2 percent, while the S&P 500 declined 2.3 percent and the Nasdaq <.IXIC> lost 1.7 percent. The S&P 500 is also down 12.5 percent from its April 23 closing high for the year.

NYMEX-NEW YORK, June 4 (Reuters) - U.S. crude oil futures ended 4 percent lower on Friday as disappointing U.S. employment data and fresh fear about Europe's bank woes spreading sparked risk aversion and fueled worries about economic recovery.

On the New York Mercantile Exchange, July crude fell $3.10, or 4.15 percent, to settle at $71.51 a barrel, lowest settlement since closing at the same level on May 26.

CBOT-CHICAGO, June 4 (Reuters) - Chicago Board of Trade grain and soy complex closing trends on Friday.

CBOT-SOYBEANS - July down 20 cents at $9.35 per bushel; new-crop November down 19-3/4 at $9.00.

CBOT-SOYOIL - July down 0.88 cent at 36.78 cents per lb. Spillover weakness from declines in soybeans and crude oil.

FCPO-JAKARTA, June 4 (Reuters) - Malaysian palm oil futures ended higher on Friday as bullish crude oil and soyoil markets encouraged buying, traders said.

External markets supported palm oil, traders said, but further gains were limited by slowing demand from China and India.

Market players pegged support and resistance level at 2,450 ringgit and 2,480 ringgit per tonne respectively next week.

The benchmark August crude palm oil futures on the Bursa Malaysia Derivatives Exchange rose 0.73 percent, or 18 ringgit, to 2,474 ringgit ($756.6) a tonne, after hitting as high as 2,481 ringgit. Overall traded volume was 10,094 lots of 25 tonnes each.

REGIONAL EQUITIES-BANGKOK, June 4 (Reuters) - Thai stocks climbed to their highest in three weeks on Friday as investors bought resource shares seen safe from domestic political risks while the region climbed higher as markets awaited U.S. payrolls data.

The Thai stock market <.SETI> regained foreign inflows this week, with net foreign buying worth a net $32.7 million. It suffered a huge $1.80 billion foreign sell-off in May as fears over political risks grew amid anti-government protests.

Singapore <.FTSTI> ended 0.5 percent up on Friday, Indonesia <.JKSE> added 0.4 percent and the Philippines <.PSI> edged up 0.05 percent. Malaysia <.KLSE> ended unchanged, erasing early gains, and Vietnam <.VNI> inched down 0.15 percent.

In Singapore, United Overseas Bank , its third-biggest bank, rose 0.7 percent after Fitch Ratings affirmed its long-term foreign-currency issuer default rating (IDR) at 'AA-' with a stable outlook.

In Kuala Lumpur, Maybank was up 0.4 percent. Broker Citi Investment said it rated the stock a 'buy', citing loan growth of Malaysian banks in April and generally healthy first quarter earnings in the sector.

Trader's Highlight

DJI-NEW YORK, June 3 (Reuters) - The dollar rose broadly and U.S. stocks staged a late-day rally to end higher as optimism ahead of Friday's key monthly jobs report overshadowed concern that Europe's debt crisis is worsening.

U.S. Treasuries debt prices fell in choppy trade as investors trimmed their safe-haven holdings of government bonds in anticipation of a robust May payrolls report.

Crude oil prices rose more than 2 percent as a government report showed that inventories of crude oil and gasoline fell more than expected last week.

Skittish investors kept markets volatile through most of the day. U.S. stocks fell in response to weakness in the euro, but were supported by data on private sector employment and jobless claims, before finally ending higher. A rally in technology shares led Wall Street gains.

The Dow Jones industrial average rose 5.74 points, or 0.06 percent, to 10,255.28. The Standard & Poor's 500 Index <.SPX> gained 4.44 points, or 0.40 percent, to 1,102.82. The Nasdaq Composite Index <.IXIC> closed up 21.96 points, or 0.96 percent, to 2,303.03.

NYMEX-NEW YORK, June 3 (Reuters) - U.S. crude oil futures ended
2.4 percent higher after a volatile session on Thursday, lifted by a government oil inventory report showing crude oil and gasoline stocks fell more than expected.

U.S. stocks ended higher after seesawing, led by a late-day surge in technology shares as investors geared up for a strong jobs report on Friday.

On the New York Mercantile Exchange, front-month July crude rose $1.75, or 2.4 percent, to settle at $74.61 a barrel, trading from $72.32 to $74.95, reaching the high in post-settlement trading.

CBOT-CHICAGO, June 3 (Reuters) - U.S. soybean futures rose sharply on Thursday due to firmer cash markets and a wave of technical buying.

CBOT-SOYBEANS - July last up 23-3/4 cents at $9.56-1/4 per bushel. Slow movement of supplies in country spur gains early. Technical buying adds fuel to rally as prices rise above 20-day moving average.

CBOT-SOYOIL - July last up 0.23 cent at 37.65 cents per
lb. Soybean rally, crude oil gains supportive.

FCPO-JAKARTA, June 3 (Reuters) - Malaysian palm oil futures fell on short-selling on Thursday, erasing early gains as investors tested the resistance and support level, traders said.

The benchmark August crude palm oil futures on the Bursa Malaysia Derivatives Exchange fell 0.49 percent, or 12 ringgit, to close at 2,456 ringgit ($752.7) a tonne. The contract touched as high as 2,482 ringgit a tonne. Traded volume was 9,631 lots of 25 tonnes each, slightly below the daily average of 10,000 lots.

Trader's Highlight

DJI-NEW YORK, June 2 (Reuters) - U.S. stocks rallied more than 2 percent on Wednesday as energy shares rebounded one day after a steep sell-off, while the yen fell after the resignation of Japanese Prime Minister Yukio Hatoyama raised concerns about the outlook for the currency.

Surprisingly strong U.S. housing data for April drove optimism about the economy, also boosting stocks and driving up oil prices. The stock rally also eased concerns that Europe's sovereign debt crisis could restrain a fragile economic recovery.

The Dow Jones industrial average <.DJI> closed up 225.52 points, or 2.25 percent, at 10,249.54. The Standard & Poor's 500 Index <.SPX> rose 27.67 points, or 2.58 percent, at 1,098.38. The Nasdaq Composite Index <.IXIC> gained 58.74 points, or 2.64percent, at 2,281.07

NYMEX-NEW YORK, June 2 (Reuters) - U.S. crude oil futures settled higher on Wednesday, supported by strong U.S. pending home sales that also lifted Wall Street equities.

Crude oil futures traded inside Tuesday's range and for a second straight day finished well below the intraday high amid choppy trading ahead of the week's oil inventory reports.

On the New York Mercantile Exchange, July crude rose 28 cents, or 0.39 percent, to settle at $72.86 a barrel, trading from $71.68 to $73.93. Tuesday's trading ranged from $71.64 to $75.33.

CBOT-CHICAGO, June 2 (Reuters) - Chicago Board of Trade grain and soy complex closing trends on Wednesday.

CBOT-SOYBEANS - July up 1/2 cent at $9.32-1/2 a bushel; new-crop November up 3/4 at $9.03-1/2. Tight cash markets and rally in crude oil support soybeans, offsetting pressure from favorable U.S. crop weather and planting progress.

CBOT-SOYOIL - July down 0.10 cent at 37.42 cents per lb. Late retreat; losing against soymeal on meal/oil spreads.

FCPO-JAKARTA, June 2 (Reuters) - Malaysian palm oil futures extended gains for a second day on Wednesday as firmer prices for rival soyoil sparked some short covering, traders said.

The benchmark August crude palm oil futures on the Bursa Malaysia Derivatives Exchange rose 0.33 percent, or 8 ringgit, to settle at 2,468 ringgit ($745.6) a tonne -- the highest close since May 24. Overall traded volume was 15,499 lots of 25 tonnes each, above the daily average of 10,000 lots.

REGIONAL EQUITIES-BANGKOK, June 2 (Reuters) - Thai stocks gained over 1 percent on Wednesday after the Bank of Thailand decided to keep interest rates unchanged, which had been widely expected after recent political unrest but still spurred late buying, analysts said.

Southeast Asian bourses ended off their day's highs, with Singapore <.FTSTI> up 0.5 percent, Indonesia <.JKSE>, Asia's second-best performer this year, up 0.33 percent, the Philippines <.PSI> up 0.7 percent and Vietnam <.VNI> adding 0.4 percent.

Bucking the trend, Malaysia <.KLSE> drifted down 0.5 percent in thin volume, led by a 1.8 percent fall in top lender Maybank .

In Singapore, Mapletree Logistics Trust rose 3.1 percent to S$0.835. Broker Citi said it raised Mapletree's target price to S$0.91 and kept its 'buy/low risk' rating, citing its growth strategy as it was acquiring three properties.

Breaking News-RTRS-Indonesia says degraded land key for palm expansion

YOGYAKARTA, Indonesia June 1 (Reuters) - Indonesia's palm oil industry can grow via acquisitions of six million hectares of degraded land across the archipelago, a government official said on Tuesday, in a bid to allay concerns of slowing expansion.
Planters in the world's largest palm oil producer are increasingly worried over Indonesia's plans to revoke forestry licences to palm oil firms as part of a $1 billion climate change deal signed with Norway.
Didiek Goenadi, a senior official with Indonesia Investment Coordinating Board, said forests and peatlands that hold large carbon reserves can still be preserved while giving planters an option to swap out to degraded land.

Trader's Highlight

DJI-NEW YORK, June 1 (Reuters) - U.S. stocks fell on Tuesday as energy shares slid after the latest failed attempt to halt the oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico clouded future prospects for energy company profits.

The Dow Jones industrial average <.DJI> dropped 112.61 points, or 1.11 percent, to 10,024.02, according to the latest available figures. The Standard & Poor's 500 Index <.SPX> dropped 18.70 points, or 1.72 percent, to 1,070.71. The Nasdaq Composite Index <.IXIC> dropped 34.71 points, or 1.54 percent, to 2,222.33.

NYMEX-NEW YORK, June 1 (Reuters) - U.S. crude oil futures settled nearly 2 percent lower on Tuesday as concerns that Europe's debt problems may spread and data showing slower growth in China weighed on the euro and oil futures.

Trading was volatile as crude rallied intraday with the euro and Wall Street equities on positive U.S. construction spending and manufacturing data, before falling back after failing to hold above $75 a barrel.

On the New York Mercantile Exchange, July crude fell $1.39, or 1.88 percent, to settle at $72.58 a barrel, trading from $71.64 to $75.33.

CBOT-KANSAS CITY, June 1 (Reuters) - Chicago Board of Trade wheat, corn and soybeans ended lower on Tuesday on good planting and harvest weather.

CBOT-SOYBEANS - July down 5-3/4 cents at $9.32. Tight cash markets underpin, though pressure from favorable U.S. weather.

CBOT-SOYOIL - July settled down 0.09 cent at 37.52 cents per lb. Followed soybeans as Egypt's Meditrade buys 49,000 tonnes of edible oils. China gives no sign of resolving Argentina soyoil row.

FCPO-JAKARTA, June 1 (Reuters) - Malaysian palm oil futures edged higher by Tuesday despite losses in crude oil, boosted by higher demand in the physical market and a weaker ringgit currency, traders said.

The benchmark August crude palm oil futures on the Bursa Malaysia Derivatives Exchange rose 0.99 percent, or 24 ringgit, to settle at 2,460 ringgit ($746.6) a tonne. Traded volume was 9,917 lots of 25 tonnes each. Other contracts rose between 0.63 percent to 1.48 percent.

REGIONAL EQUITIES-BANGKOK, June 1 (Reuters) - Southeast Asian stock markets fell on Tuesday as euro zone worries prompted investors to reduce their stakes in risky assets, especially shares in companies that have greatest exposure to any economic slowdown.

Indonesia <.JKSE> fell 2.6 percent, Singapore <.FTSTI> lost 1.3 percent, Thailand <.SETI> slid 1.3 percent and Malaysia <.KLSE> closed 0.2 percent down.

In Singapore, top lender DBS Group fell 2.1 percent and Oversea-Chinese Banking Corp. slid 1.6 percent, while Genting Singapore closed 6.6 percent weaker.

In Kuala Lumpur, transport company MISC Bhd fell 1 percent.

Trader's Highlight

FCPO-JAKARTA, May 31 (Reuters) - Malaysian palm oil futures fell almost 1 percent on Monday, despite data showing improved exports, after a downgrade of Spain's credit rating led to investor caution over riskier assets like commodities.

Markets in May were focused on the euro zone debt crisis which began with worries over Greece's finances and entered a new phase on Friday when Fitch ratings agency downgraded Spain's sovereign debt rating.

The benchmark August crude palm oil futures on Bursa Malaysia Derivatives Exchange fell 0.85 percent, or 21 ringgit, to close at 2,436 ringgit ($794.1), after touching 2,425 ringgit, the lowest level since May 19. Traded volume was 9,540 lots of 25 tonnes each.

REGIONAL EQUITIES-BANGKOK, May 31 (Reuters) - Indonesian shares rose more than three percent to nearly a two-week peak on Monday, boosted by foreign buying and expectations the central bank will leave its key interest rate unchanged at a record-low this week.

Singapore <.FTSTI>, Malaysia <.KLSE> and Thailand <.SETI> also gained as fund managers bought large-capitalised stocks for month-end window dressing following holidays on Friday.

In Singpore, Parkway Holdings shares jumped 22.9 percent after Malaysian sovereign fund Khazanah offered $835 million for control of Singapore's biggest private healthcare group, leaving India's Fortis Healthcare to make the next move in a potential takeover battle.

In Kuala Lumpur, AirAsia Bhd rose 4.3 percent before it announced after the market close that its first-quarter net profit rose from the same period a year ago.