Trader's Highlight

DJI-NEW YORK, July 29 (Reuters) - U.S. stocks sagged in volatile trading on Thursday after weak outlooks from technology companies and downbeat comments from a Federal Reserve official gave investors little reason to buy.

The market has struggled to make headway this week. The S&P 500 fell for a third straight day and has run into resistance around its 200-day moving average as investors searched for a catalyst to take stocks higher.

The Dow Jones industrial average <.DJI> dropped 30.72 points, or 0.29 percent, to 10,467.16. The Standard & Poor's 500 Index <.SPX> dropped 4.59 points, or 0.41 percent, to 1,101.54. The Nasdaq Composite Index <.IXIC> dropped 12.87 points, or 0.57 percent, to 2,251.69.

NYMEX-NEW YORK, July 29 (Reuters) - U.S. crude oil prices rose on Thursday, breaking a string of two straight lower finishes, as a broadly weaker dollar and positive euro zone and German economic data provided lift.

Crude oil prices rose despite a seesaw day that saw U.S. equities on Wall Street end lower.

On the New York Mercantile Exchange, September crude rose $1.37, or 1.78 percent, to settle at $78.36 a barrel, trading from $76.45 to $78.89.

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

CBOT-SOYBEANS - August up 16-1/4 cents at $10.26-3/4 per bushel; new-crop November up 10 at $9.88. Brisk U.S. export sales of soy, soaring wheat and concerns about cuts in canola and rapeseed production due to harsh weather this year in Canada and Europe combine to lift soybean futures.

CBOT-SOYOIL - August up 0.43 cent at 39.27 cents per lb. Following soybeans higher; strength in crude oil adds support.

PALM-JAKARTA, July 29 (Reuters) - Malaysian crude palm oil rose 1.1 percent on Thursday on concerns that weather uncertainty on grains crops wordwide would curb global vegetable oil supplies in the medium term.

Asian traders are watching the impact of drought conditions on the European rapeseed crop which may limit oilseed crushing and support vegetable oil markets.

Palm oil gains were also underpinned by concerns that hot weather may stunt soy pod setting in the United States.

The benchmark October contract on Bursa Malaysia's Derivatives Exchange rose 19 ringgit or 0.76 percent to 2,514 ringgit ($789.8) a tonne. Overall volumes rose to 14,136 lots of 25 tonnes each from the usual 10,000 lots.

REGIONAL EQUITIES-COLOMBO, July 20 (Reuters) - Indonesia's stock market ended at a closing high on Tuesday, earlier nearing the intraday peak scaled in May on demand for bank shares, but regional investors were cautious after mixed results from the U.S. tech sector.

Indonesia <.JKSE>, Southeast Asia's best performer with a return of 18.2 percent this year, closed 0.7 percent firmer, Malaysia <.KLSE> gained 0.3 percent and Singapore <.FTSTI> rose 0.1 percent.

In Singapore, Golden Agri rose 1.8 percent and Singapore Airlines gained 0.6 percent.

Trader's Highlight

DJI-NEW YORK, July 28 (Reuters) - World stocks fell, snapping a four-day rally on Wednesday, as weak orders for U.S. durable goods in June and the Federal Reserve's downbeat take on the economy dampened the outlook and drove the dollar lower.

New orders for long-lasting U.S. manufactured goods fell unexpectedly for a second straight month, marking their largest decline since August, in a fresh sign the economy had slowed in the second quarter. But some analysts said the report was respectable after stripping out certain categories.

The Dow Jones industrial average <.DJI> fell 39.81 points, or 0.38 percent, to end at 10,497.88. The Standard & Poor's 500 Index <.SPX> fell 7.71 points, or 0.69 percent, to finish at 1,106.13. The Nasdaq Composite Index <.IXIC> slipped 23.69 points, or 1.04 percent, to close at 2,264.56.

NYMEX-NEW YORK, July 28 (Reuters) - U.S. crude oil futures fell a second straight day on Wednesday, slipping on government oil inventory data showing a large crude oil stocks build last week as imports surged.

Crude oil prices also were pressured by weak durable goods orders data that pushed U.S. equities lower and kept concerns about the pace of economic recovery in focus.

On the New York Mercantile Exchange, September crude fell 51 cents, or 0.66 percent, to settle at $76.99 a barrel, trading from $75.90 to $77.74.

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

CBOT-SOYBEANS - August up 12-1/2 cents at $10.10-1/2 per bushel; new-crop November up 12-1/2 at $9.78. Spillover support from soaring wheat market with further support from brisk export sales of U.S. soy. Some concern about hot and dry weather in the U.S. Mississippi River Delta but overall satisfactory crop weather.

CBOT-SOYOIL - August up 0.28 cent at 38.84 cents per lb. Spillover support from gains in soybeans.

FCPO-JAKARTA, July 28 (Reuters) - Malaysian crude palm oil closed up 0.4 percent on Wednesday on concern that rains will slow output, which countered expectations of slowing demand from India.

Concern remained that a brewing La Nina weather event, which brings more rains to palm oil producing Southeast Asia and hotter weather to soybean growing U.S. and South America, will affect output.

The benchmark October contract on Bursa Malaysia's Derivatives Exchange settled up 10 ringgit to 2,495 ringgit ($782) a tonne. Overall volume stood at 10,785lots at 25 tonnes each.

REGIONAL EQUITIES-BANGKOK, July 28 (Reuters) - Major Southeast Asian stock markets posted small gains on Wednesday, supported by favourable quarterly earnings against a background of strong regional growth.

However, broker Citi said the earnings outlook for the second half was not as good in several Asian countries as export markets weakened and some stock markets could suffer if profit forecasts were revised down.

Singapore's main share index <.FTSTI> pushed 0.2 percent higher and hovered around three-month highs, while Malaysia <.KLSE> inched up 0.2 percent, to just below a 29-month peak hit the previous d In Singapore, big banks gained ahead of their quarterly results. DBS Group , Southeast Asia's largest lender, was up 0.6 percent ahead of its results on Friday. Oversea Chinese Banking Corp , which is due to release its quarterly earnings next week, rose 0.8 percent.

Financial firms outperformed in Kuala Lumpur, with Hong Leong jumping 2.1 percent and CIMB Group up 1.2 percent. In Jakarta, dominant car seller Astra International , rose 1.4 percent to a record high.

Trader's Highlight

DJI-NEW YORK, July 27 (Reuters) - The S&P snapped a three-day winning streak on Tuesday after mixed earnings reports and a fall in consumer confidence, but analysts said U.S. stocks were taking a breather and the rally could pick back up.

Solid earnings from Dow component DuPont and Cummins Inc cheered investors, but that was offset by gloomy comments from steelmakers, including U.S. Steel Corp and AK Steel Holding Corp .

The Dow Jones industrial average <.DJI> added 12.26 points, or 0.12 percent, to 10,537.69. The Standard & Poor's 500 Index <.SPX> dipped 1.17 points, or 0.10 percent, to 1,113.84. The Nasdaq Composite Index <.IXIC> shed 8.18 points, or 0.36 percent, to close at 2,288.25.

NYMEX-NEW YORK, July 27 (Reuters) - U.S. crude oil futures fell 1.87 percent on Tuesday as a report showing consumer confidence fell in July weighed on oil and across financial markets.

The Conference Board's consumer confidence index fell in July to 50.4 from a upwardly revised 54.3 in June, the lowest reading in five months, the private business research group reported on Tuesday.

On the New York Mercantile Exchange, September crude fell $1.48, or 1.87 percent to settle at $77.50 a barrel, trading from $76.79 to $79.69.

CBOT-CHICAGO, July 27 (Reuters) - Chicago Board of Trade grain and soy complex close on Tuesday.

CBOT-SOYBEANS - August down 1/4 cent per bushel at $9.98. Good U.S. crop weather and strong condition ratings for the crop combined to weigh on market. Soybeans moved down from the day's highs when wheat backed off from early gains.

CBOT-SOYOIL - August down 0.24 cent per lb at 38.56. Downturn in crude oil weighs, in addition to pressure from meal/oil spreads.

FCPO-KUALA LUMPUR, July 27 (Reuters) - Malaysian crude palm oil closed half a percent higher on Tuesday, retracing last week's rally on technical corrections although it hit a intraday one-week low earlier in the session.

Concerns over a brewing La Nina weather event, which brings more rains to palm oil producing Southeast Asia and hotter weather to soybean growing U.S. and South America, boosted palm oil futures to a 10-week high last week.

The benchmark October contract on Bursa Malaysia's Derivatives Exchange rose 12 ringgit, or 0.5 percent, to 2,485 Malaysian ringgit, after going as low as 2,434, a level last touched on July 21. Overall volumes stood at 17,717 lots of 25 tonnes each.

REGIONAL EQUITIES-BANGKOK, July 27 (Reuters) - Thai stocks hit 26-month highs on Tuesday as optimism over the economy spurred buying in banking stocks despite a renewed political worries after a deadly weekend bomb blast in central Bangkok.

The bomb at a Bangkok bus stop, which killed one person and wounded at least 10, had less impact on market sentiment than feared. The blast took place shortly after polls closed in a toughly fought by-election, the first electoral test since the end of the anti-government protests.

Singapore <.FTSTI> closed 0.4 percent higher, hovering at 3-month highs, Malaysia <.KLSE> was nearly flat, after earlier touching 29-month highs, and Indonesia <.JKSE> rose 0.6 percent, coming off a fresh all-time high hitting on Monday.

Singapore Airlines , the world's second-largest airline by market value, rose 1.8 percent after it reported better-than-expected first quarter net profit and analysts upgraded its target price. [ID:nSGE66Q03H]

Kuala Lumpur's reporting season also supported financial firms. Broker Hwang-DBS said it expected the second-quarter net profit at Malaysian banks to grow as net interest margins should pick up following the previous two central bank's overnight policy rate hikes.

Maybank inched up 0.13 percent. The bank said on Tuesday it expected to see a 50 percent rise in the value of its investment banking deals this year as the stable global economy galvanises fund-raising activities, the head of its investment banking arm said.

Trader's Highlight

DJI-NEW YORK, July 26 (Reuters) - An upbeat outlook from FedEx, coupled with encouraging home sales, lifted U.S. stocks on Monday, keeping the S&P 500 above 1,100for a second day and suggesting the rally could last.

FedEx Corp raised its outlook, boosting its stock by 5.6 percent. The news from the package delivery and business services company validates the optimism of those who believe the economic recovery is less fragile than recently thought.

The Dow Jones industrial average <.DJI> gained 100.81 points, or 0.97 percent, to 10,525.43. The Standard & Poor's 500 Index <.SPX> rose 12.35 points, or 1.12 percent, to 1,115.01. The Nasdaq Composite Index <.IXIC> advanced 26.96 points, or 1.19 percent, to close at 2,296.43.

NYMEX-NEW YORK, July 26 (Reuters) - U.S. crude oil futures settled unchanged on Monday after seesawing as strong U.S. new home sales data and positive corporate guidance lifted equities and supported oil, while restarted offshore production after a fizzled tropical storm kept oil prices in check.

On the New York Mercantile Exchange, September crude settled unchanged at $78.98 a barrel, having seesawed between $78.06 to $79.33. Monday's intraday high of $79.33 was below Friday's 11-week peak of $79.60, the highest front-month crude price since $80.39 was struck on May 6.

CBOT-CHICAGO, July 26 (Reuters) - Chicago Board of Trade grain and soy complex closing trends at on Monday.

CBOT-SOYBEANS - August down 18-3/4 cents at $9.98-1/4 per bushel; new-crop November down 15-1/2 at $9.66. Spot month falls below $10; biggest one-day percentage drop since June 4 on technical selling and profit-taking following a two-week rally. Additional weight from overall good crop weather in the U.S. Midwest.

CBOT-SOYOIL - August down 0.27 cent at 38.80 cent per lb. Funds sold 1,500 contracts

FCPO-KUALA LUMPUR, July 26 (Reuters) - Malaysian crude palm oil ended 1 percent lower on Monday, after data showed a drop in palm oil exports in the first three weeks of July, indicating weak overseas demand.

Cargo surveyors Intertek Testing Service and Societe Generale de Surveillance showed exports of Malaysian palm oil products for July 1 to 25 fell by at least 1 percent.

The benchmark October contract on Bursa Malaysia's Derivatives Exchange lost 25 ringgit, or 1 percent, to 2,473 Malaysian ringgit ($773.1) after touching an intraday low at 2,472 ringgit. Overall volumes stood at 18,236 lots of 25 tonnes each.

REGIONAL EQUITIES-COLOMBO, July 26 (Reuters) - Indonesian stocks slipped from record highs on Monday and most other Southeast Asian markets also retreated as traders took profits on their recent rally, ignoring gains in broader markets after the release of European bank stress test results.

Indonesia <.JKSE>, the region's best performing market this year, bolted to a fresh intra-day record high of 3,062.95 before ending at 3,023.69, down 0.6 percent from its best all-time close recorded on Friday.

Singapore <.FTSTI> closed 0.2 percent weaker, easing from three-month highs, while Vietnam <.VNI> fell 0.4 percent and the Philippines <.PSI> edged down 0.1 percent. But Malaysia <.KLSE> bucked the trend, rising 0.5 percent to its highest level in more than 28 months.

In Singapore, Southeast Asia's top lender DBS Group Holdings fell 0.8 percent and Oversea Chinese Banking Corporation closed down 0.3 percent.

After the market closed, Singapore Airlines , the world's second-largest airline, posted $253 million net profit in its first quarter, beating forecasts as a recovery in air travel and cargo volume gathered pace. Earlier, SIA shares had slipped 0.1 percent.

In Kuala Lumpur, the index hit its highest since March 3, 2008, led by a 3.3 percent rise in financial CIMB Group .

Trader's Highlight

DJI-NEW YORK, July 23 (Reuters) - Global stocks rose on Friday on solid corporate earnings while the euro gained against the dollar after fewer-than-expected European banks failed stress tests.

Safe-haven assets such as gold and U.S. Treasuries dropped after European regulators reported that only seven of 91 banks failed the tests, which were designed to show the impact of Europe's sovereign debt crisis on its financial institutions.

The market recovery seemed fragile, however. Some analysts questioned the credibility of the tests after regulators revealed they were applied only to the bank's trading books -- not their banking books.

Under the worst stress scenario, the seven weaker banks -- five of them from Spain -would face a capital shortfall of 3.5 billion euros ($4.5 billion).

The Dow Jones industrial average <.DJI> climbed 102.32 points, or 0.99 percent, to end at 10,424.62 -- just about 4 points shy of its close at the end of 2009. The Standard & Poor's 500 Index <.SPX> rose 8.99 points, or 0.82 percent, to finish at 1,102.66 -- or about 13 points below its year-end 2009 close.

NYMEX-NEW YORK, July 23 (Reuters) - U.S. crude oil futures fell on Friday but ended well above the day's lows, paring losses as Wall Street surged in late trade on strong earnings results.

Oil futures pared losses on production shut-ins in the Gulf of Mexico ahead of Tropical Storm Bonnie, but storm worries eased as Bonnie was not expected to become a hurricane before making landfall between the Louisiana coast and Florida's northwest Panhandle early on Sunday morning.

On the New York Mercantile Exchange, crude for September delivery settled down 32 cents, or 0.4 percent, at $78.98 a barrel, after trading from $78.40 to $79.60. It briefly turned positive in late trading before moving down again near the close.

CBOT-CHICAGO, July 23 (Reuters) - Chicago Board of Trade grain and soy complex close on Friday.

CBOT-SOYBEANS - August up 1 cent at $10.17 per bushel; new-crop November up 2 at $9.81-1/2. Market underpinned by European crop concerns and uncertainty about U.S. crop weather in August, the key month for soybean development.

CBOT-SOYOIL - August up 0.17 cent at 39.07 cents per lb. Edging higher, following soybeans. Rally limited by weakness in crude oil.

FCPO-KUALA LUMPUR, July 23 (Reuters) - Malaysian crude palm oil fell 0.8 percent on Friday on expectations of lower export data next week although losses were limited by concerns that heavier rains may curb output growth.

Traders said the palm oil market was taking a breather with some investors booking profits after the tropical oil hit a ten-week high on Thursday.

The benchmark October contract on Bursa Malaysia's Derivatives Exchange ended down 21 ringgit at 2,498 ringgit ($779.6). The previous day the contract hit its highest since May. 10. Overall volumes shot up to 15,995 lots of 25 tonnes each from the usual 10,000 lots.

REGIONAL EQUITIES-BANGKOK, July 23 (Reuters) - Indonesian stocks hit a new record on Friday and outperformed the region for the week following the nomination of new central bank governor and low rate outlook amid economic optimism across Southeast Asia.

Indonesia's parliament approved the appointment of Darmin Nasution as central bank governor on Thursday, as expected, a move seen as positive for the country's reform drive and for bonds, stocks and the currency.

Singapore <.FTSTI> rose 0.6 percent to its highest in almost three months, Malaysia <.KLSE> gained 0.7 percent, hovering around 10-week highs and Thailand <.SETI> closed up 0.87 percent at 26-month highs.

In Singapore, property stocks gained after final private home prices data from Singapore's Urban Redevelopment Authority (URA) released on Friday for the second quarter revised up to 5.3 percent from 5.2 percent earlier.

Trader's Highlight

DJI-NEW YORK, July 22 (Reuters) - Earnings from economic bellwethers 3M, UPS and Caterpillar catapulted U.S. stocks on Thursday as investors shed some of their fears about the strength of the recovery.

The parade of prominent names reporting profits continued after the market's close. Microsoft Corp reported a 48 percent rise in quarterly profit late on Thursday. In regular trading its shares rose 2.9 percent to $25.84, but they were down 0.2 percent after hours.

The Dow Jones industrial average <.DJI> gained 201.77 points, or 1.99 percent, to 10,322.30. The Standard & Poor's 500 <.SPX> added 24.08 points, or 2.25 percent, to 1,093.67. The Nasdaq Composite <.IXIC> rose 58.56 points, or 2.68 percent, to 2,245.89.

NYMEX-NEW YORK, July 22 (Reuters) - U.S. crude oil futures surged more than 3 percent to an 11-week high above $79 a barrel, lifted by stronger-than-expected economic data that boosted equities markets and by concerns about a tropical depression that might threaten Gulf of Mexico production.

The dollar's weakness against a basket of currencies and the euro also provided a boost as oil prices rebounded after losing more than 1 percent in the previous session. Refined products futures also rose more than 3 percent.

On the New York Mercantile Exchange, September crude rose $2.74, or 3.58 percent, to settle at $79.30 a barrel, highest close since the ending at $79.97 on May 5.

CBOT-CHICAGO, July 22 (Reuters) - Chicago Board of Trade grain and soy complex close on Thursday.

CBOT-SOYBEANS - August up 3/4 cent at $10.16 bushel; new-crop November up 1 at $9.79-1/2. Deferred months ended down 1/2 to 2-1/2 cents. Spillover support from wheat, along with hot weather in the Delta and parts of the Midwest raising concerns about potential harm to the crop. Gains limited by midday weather forecasts for more rain and less heat in the U.S. Midwest, weak cash and technical resistance.

CBOT-SOYOIL - August up 0.64 cent at 38.90 cents per lb. Buoyed by strength in soybeans, higher crude oil and a weak dollar.

FCPO-JAKARTA, July 22 (Reuters) - Malaysian crude palm oil gained 2.52 percent on Thursday after hitting two and a half month high on concern that rains may slow palm oil output and as gains in crude oil as well as soyoil offered support.

A brewing La Nina weather pattern which brings heavier-than-expected rains and comes at the heels of El Nino-driven drier weather in early 2010 may prolong weak palm oil yields despite the crop now enters high production season.

The benchmark October contract on Bursa Malaysia's Derivatives Exchange settled up 62 ringgit to 2,519 ringgit per tonne after trading as high as 2,525 ringgit, a level that was last touched on May 10.

Overall volumes stood at 26,561 lots of 25 tonnes each, more than double the usual 10,000 lots.

REGIONAL EQUITIES-BANGKOK, July 22 (Reuters) - Most Southeast Asian stock markets fell on Thursday, fretting over a downbeat economic view from the U.S. Federal Reserve, and weaknesses in energy prices dampened sentiment in the sector across the region.

Malaysia <.KLSE> eased 0.4 percent, retreating from a two-day rally to 10-week highs, Indonesia <.JKSE>, which scaled a record high at one point, ended down 0.1 percent, the Philippines <.PSI> lost 0.1 percent and Vietnam <.VNI> fell 1 percent.

Malaysia's top power producer, Tenaga Nasional , and Indonesian oil and gas firm PT Medco Energi International both fell almost 1 percent.

Trader's Highlight

DJI-NEW YORK, July 21 (Reuters) - Global stocks slid on Wednesday as investors poured money into safe havens such as bonds after Federal Reserve Chairman Ben Bernanke said the U.S. economy faces "unusually uncertain" prospects, adding to worries about the recovery.

Bernanke's downbeat economic assessment slammed U.S. stocks even after Morgan Stanley and Apple Inc easily beat Wall Street's expectations. The Wall Street bank and the tech bellwether, known for its iPhone and iPad, were the latest U.S. corporations to turn in solid results in the second-quarter reporting season.

The Dow Jones industrial average <.DJI> closed down 109.43 points, or 1.07 percent, at 10,120.53. The Standard & Poor's 500 Index <.SPX> fell 13.89 points, or 1.28 percent, at 1,069.59. The Nasdaq Composite Index <.IXIC> slid 35.16 points, or 1.58 percent, to 2,187.33.

NYMEX-NEW YORK, July 21 (Reuters) - U.S. crude oil futures fell on
Wednesday as Federal Reserve Chairman Ben Bernanke expressed concerns about the U.S. economy and after government data showed an unexpected increase in crude oil inventories last week.

Earlier, crude futures dropped almost $1 as traders factored in the inventory data. Losses were later pared as traders raised concerns that a weather disturbance brewing near the Dominican Republic could strengthen and eventually turn into a storm that could hit the Gulf of Mexico.

On the New York Mercantile Exchange, new front-month September crude settled down $1.02, or 1.31 percent, at $76.56 a barrel, trading from $76.31 to $78.57.

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

CBOT-SOYBEANS - August up 3-1/2 cents at $10.15-1/4 per bushel; new-crop November up 5-1/2 at $9.78-1/2. Firmer with wheat and corn, but hedge-related pressure in thin volume briefly presses market in early moves.

CBOT-SOYOIL - August down 0.14 cent at 38.26 cents per lb. Pressured by retreat in soybeans and crude oil prices.

FCPO-JAKARTA, July 21 (Reuters) - Malaysian crude palm oil rebounded on Wednesday, recouping the previous day's losses, as traders covered short positions followinggains in oil and hopes that weather concerns in the U.S. will continue to support grain markets.

The benchmark October contract on Bursa Malaysia's Derivatives Exchange ended up 35 ringgit or 1.44 percent to 2,459 ringgit ($765) a tonne. Overall volumes stood at 16,473 lots of 25 tonnes each, more than the usual 10,000 lots.

REGIONAL EQUITIES-BANGKOK, July 21 (Reuters) - Most Southeast Asian stock markets gained on Wednesday amid optimism about the regional economy, with Indonesia hitting a record high and Thailand around two-year highs following record export numbers for June.

Investors were still cautious over results for European bank stress tests due out on Friday [ID:nLDE66D099], one reason for late retreats by equities in the region, dealers said.

Malaysia <.KLSE> edged up 0.25 percent to 10-week highs and the Philippines <.PSI> gained 0.38 percent, ending a four-day fall.

Singapore <.FTSTI> fell 0.8 percent after hitting an 11-week high while Vietnam <.VNI> ended 0.23 percent lower. Singapore's third-largest developer, Keppel Land , fell 0.7 percent after it reported a 20 percent rise in its second-quarter net profit, in line with expectations.

Trader's Highlight

DJI-NEW YORK, July 20 (Reuters) - World stocks staged a late-day surge to end higher on Tuesday and Treasury prices pared gains, reversing steep losses as bargain hunters emerged amid speculation the Federal Reserve will take steps to spur lending.

For much of the day, investors had been focused on lower-than-estimated revenues at major U.S. companies and a drop in U.S. housing starts intensified worries the economic recovery was losing momentum.

The Dow Jones industrial average <.DJI> rose 75.53 points, or 0.74 percent, to close at 10,229.96. The benchmark Standard & Poor's 500 Index <.SPX> advanced 12.23 points, or 1.14 percent, to end at 1,083.48. The Nasdaq Composite Index <.IXIC> climbed 24.26 points, or 1.10 percent, to 2,222.49.

NYMEX-NEW YORK, July 20 (Reuters) - U.S. crude oil futures ended higher for a second day in a row on Tuesday as Wall Street's major indexes turned positive and traders positioned ahead of weekly petroleum inventory data forecast to show a fourth straight week of a drawdown in crude oil stockpiles.

A forecast from the National Hurricane Center showing a 60 percent chance of a tropical wave near Puerto Rico and the Dominican Republic strengthening into a tropical depression in a day or two also helped boost prices in late trading.

On the New York Mercantile Exchange, crude for August delivery , expired at the close and settled up 90 cents, or 1.18 percent, at $77.44 a barrel, trading from $75.65 to $77.57.

CBOT-CHICAGO, July 20 (Reuters) - Chicago Board of Trade grain and soy complex close on Tuesday.

CBOT-SOYBEANS - August up 3-3/4 cents at $10.11-3/4 per bushel; new-crop November up 1 at $9.73. Turning firm after early weakness; led by strength in soyoil and higher crude oil. Volume seen light. Support also from bull-spreading and firm cash.

CBOT-SOYOIL - August up 0.44 cent at 38.40 cents per lb. Gaining against soymeal as meal/oil spread correct; strength in crude oil adds support.

FCPO-JAKARTA, July 20 (Reuters) - Malaysian crude palm oil eased on midday Tuesday as investors took profit after weak key export figures and as a forecast on crop weather knocked rival soybean markets lower.

The benchmark October contract on Bursa Malaysia's Derivatives Exchange fell 30 ringgit or 1.22 percent to 2,424 ringgit a tonne. Overall volume stood at 17,134 lots of 25 tonnes each, above the usual 10,000 lots.

REGIONAL EQUITIES-COLOMBO, July 20 (Reuters) - Indonesia's stock market ended at a closing high on Tuesday, earlier nearing the intraday peak scaled in May on demand for bank shares, but regional investors were cautious after mixed results from the U.S. tech sector.

Indonesia <.JKSE>, Southeast Asia's best performer with a return of 18.2 percent this year, closed 0.7 percent firmer, Malaysia <.KLSE> gained 0.3 percent and Singapore <.FTSTI> rose 0.1 percent.

In Singapore, Golden Agri rose 1.8 percent and Singapore Airlines gained 0.6 percent.

Trader's Highlight

DJI-NEW YORK, July 19 (Reuters) - U.S. stocks rose on Monday, spurred by optimism ahead of earnings from key technology companies and after Dow component Boeing announced strong orders.

Investors bet on solid reports from International Business Machines , the world's largest technology services provider, and chip maker Texas Instruments , hoping they would echo Intel's positive results last week. Intel's forecast-beating profits and revenues had shown strength in technology spending.

The Dow Jones industrial average <.DJI> added 56.53 points, or 0.56 percent, to 10,154.43. The Standard & Poor's 500 Index <.SPX> rose 6.37 points, or 0.60 percent, to 1,071.25. The Nasdaq Composite Index <.IXIC> gained 19.18 points, or 0.88 percent, to 2,198.23.

NYMEX-NEW YORK, July 19 (Reuters) - U.S. crude futures gained on Monday, snapping a three-day losing streak, as Wall Street lent support with some robust quarterly reports that raised hopes for oil demand going forward.

But a report showing that U.S. homebuilder sentiment fell more than expected in July to its lowest level in more than a year tempered sentiment, limiting gains in equities and also tempering the advance in the energy markets.

On the New York Mercantile Exchange, crude for August delivery settled up 53 cents, or 0.7 percent, at $76.54 a barrel, trading from $75.50 to $77.69.

CBOT-CHICAGO, July 19 (Reuters) - Chicago Board of Trade grain and soy complex close on Monday.

CBOT-SOYBEANS - August down 11-1/2 cents at $10.08 per bushel; new-crop November down 13 at $9.72. Rain, warm weather for U.S. Midwest; no threat to crops - forecast.

CBOT-SOYOIL - August down 0.35 cent at 37.96 cents per lb. Pressure from lower soybean futures.

FCPO-JAKARTA, July 19 (Reuters) - Malaysian crude palm oil closed up on Monday as expectations of lower stocks due to strong demand offered support and as concerns that erratic weather may cut rival soybean yields.

The benchmark October contract on Bursa Malaysia's Derivatives Exchange settled up 5 ringgit or 0.2 percent to 2,454 ringgit ($753.5) a tonne. Overall volume stood at 13,280 lots of 25 tonnes each, more than the usual 10,000 lots.

REGIONAL EQUITIES-BANGKOK, July 19 (Reuters) - Most Southeast Asian stock markets fell on Monday, fretting over the U.S. economic outlook and over Europe's fiscal health as Moody's cut Ireland's credit rating.

Markets in Singapore <.FTSTI>, Malaysia <.KLSE>, Indonesia <.JKSE> and the Philippines <.PSI> each fell to around a one-week low.

Singapore's Wilmar International , the world's largest listed palm oil firm, fell 0.8 percent, Malaysian rival Sime Darby lost 0.8 percent and Malaysian number two IOI Corp eased 1 percent.

IOI expected the La Nina weather pattern to have a major impact on palm oil production in Southeast Asia as heavier rainfall may hamper harvesting.

Breaking News-RTRS-La Nina may hurt Southeast Asian palm oil output-IOI

KUALA LUMPUR, July 19 (Reuters) - IOI Corp , Malaysia's No. 2 planter, expects the brewing La Nina weather event to have a major impact on palm oil production in Southeast Asia as heavier rainfall may hamper harvesting.
La Nina often follows after drier weather brought by an El Nino anomaly that emerged last year and can induce heavier rains in palm oil-producing Southeast Asia as well as drier weather in soy oil exporting Americas.

Trader's Highlight

DJI-NEW YORK, July 16 (Reuters) - Dismal consumer sentiment data and anemic revenues from GE and two big banks slammed U.S. stocks on Friday, driving down major indexes more than 2 percent.

The slide in the S&P 500 was a decisive break of an 8 percent rise over the last two weeks as investors lost hope that strong earnings could overcome doubts about the economic outlook.

The Dow Jones industrial average <.DJI> dropped 261.41 points, or 2.52 percent, to 10,097.90. The Standard & Poor's 500 Index <.SPX> slid 31.60 points, or 2.88 percent, to 1,064.88. The Nasdaq Composite Index <.IXIC> lost 70.03 points, or 3.11 percent, to 2,179.05.

NYMEX-NEW YORK, July 16 (Reuters) - U.S. crude oil futures fell for the third consecutive day on Friday, ending the week a tad lower, as equities faltered on sour consumer mood, adding to worries about the slowing pace of economic recovery.

On the New York Mercantile Exchange, August crude , which expires on Tuesday, settled down 61 cents, or 0.8 percent, at $76.01 a barrel. It traded from $75.25 to $77.15.

CBOT-CHICAGO, July 16 (Reuters) - Chicago Board of Trade grain and soy complex close on Friday.

CBOT-SOYBEANS - August up 1/2 cent at $10.19-1/2 per bushel. Other months down 2-1/2 to 12-1/2 cents. Profit-taking after the strong rally on Thursday weighed on most soy futures contracts but there was some underpinning and spot August ended firm on concerns about some forecasts for hotter and drier weather in the U.S. in late July and August.

CBOT-SOYOIL - August down 0.28 cent per lb at 38.31 cents
per lb. Pressure from lower crude oil and profit-taking.

FCPO-JAKARTA, July 16 (Reuters) - Malaysian crude palm oil rose 1.58 percent on Friday after reaching a six-week high on concern erratic weather may cut competitive crop yields and on strong demand ahead of Ramadan in August.

The benchmark October contract on Bursa Malaysia's Derivatives Exchange rose 38 ringgit to 2,449 ringgit a tonne, after hitting an intraday high of 2,461 ringgit -- a level last seen in June 4. Overall volume stood at 26,327 lots of 25 tonnes each, nearly three times the usual 10,000 lots.

REGIONAL EQUITIES-COLOMBO, July 16 (Reuters) - Southeast Asian stock markets mostly rose on Friday, with Indonesia near a record high and Singapore hitting its highest in more than 10 weeks as investors sought out shares in companies likely to report good results.

Indonesia <.JKSE>, the region's best performer with an 18.1 percent return for the year to date, rose 0.4 percent and was just four points shy of its record high of 2,996.419 on May 4.

In Singapore, top lender DBS Group rose 1.2 percent and United Overseas Bank edged up 0.4 percent.

Shares in semiconductor distributor Serial System rose as much as 13 percent to a record high, lifted by the positive outlook for the semiconductor industry. It closed 8.7 percent firmer.

In Malaysia, financial firm CIMB Group and Public Bank of Malaysia both gained over 0.7 percent.

Trader's Highlight

DJI-NEW YORK, July 14 (Reuters) - U.S. stocks broke a six-day winning streak on Wednesday, with the S&P 500 ending a hair lower after the Federal Reserve suggested additional measures may be needed to combat a weakening economy.

Optimism over the start of earnings season limited declines after Intel Corp reported better-than-expected results on signs of renewed corporate spending. Shares of Intel rose 1.7 percent to $21.36, helping keep the Dow and Nasdaq slightly higher.

The Dow Jones industrial average <.DJI> edged up 3.70 points, or 0.04 percent, to end at 10,366.72. The Standard & Poor's 500 Index <.SPX> dipped just 0.17 of a point, or 0.02 percent, to 1,095.17. The Nasdaq Composite Index <.IXIC> added 7.81 points, or 0.35 percent, to close at 2,249.84.

NYMEX-NEW YORK, July 14 (Reuters) - U.S. crude futures edged lower on Wednesday, turning negative in late trading after minutes from the most recent meeting of Federal Reserve policymakers showed a less-than-optimistic economic outloook.

The Fed document released in the afternoon outweighed government data showing domestic crude inventories fell 5.1 million barrels last week which dwarfed a Reuters poll forecast for a 1.4 million barrel drawdown.

On the New York Mercantile Exchange, August crude settled down 11 cents, or 0.14 percent, at $77.04 a barrel, trading from $76.38 to $78.15. The early intraday peak was just below crude's 200-day moving average at $77.39.

CBOT-CHICAGO, July 14 (Reuters) - Chicago Board of Trade grain and soy complex close on Wednesday.

CBOT-SOYBEANS - July expired up 5-1/2 cents per bushel at $10.36. September up 8-1/4 cents at $9.75-1/4 per bushel; new-crop November up 7-1/2 at $9.62.

CBOT-SOYOIL - July up 0.13 cent per lb at 38.05. August up 0.09 cent at 38.11 cents per lb. Higher but losing ground to soymeal on meal/oil spreads;
pressured by bearish NOPA soyoil stocks build.

FCPO-JAKARTA, July 14 (Reuters) - Malaysian crude palm oil settled 1.19 percent high on Wednesday on expectations of strong demand and low stocks because of slower production.

Erratic weather in many countries has damaged grains crops, including vegetable oils, and this is expected to drive prices of food higher, offering support for the palm oil market, dealers said.

Malaysia's June palm oil production rose just 2.5 percent to 1.42 million tonnes, even with the start of the high production season, as erratic weather lowered yields in key growing areas.

The benchmark September contract on Bursa Malaysia's Derivatives Exchange ended up 28 ringgit at 2,381 ringgit ($745) a tonne -- a level last touched on June 25. Overall volume stood at 10,665 lots of 25 tonnes each.

REGIONAL EQUITIES-BANGKOK, July 14 (Reuters) - Singapore shares climbed to a 10-week high on Wednesday, cheered by strong GDP numbers, while strong results from global technology bellwether Intel boosted regional tech shares.

The region's stock markets continued to benefit from a healthy economic outlook, which has helped push Indonesia <.JKSE> close to an all-time high, Malaysia <.KLSE> to two-month highs, the Philippines <.PSI> to a 2-1/2-year high and Thai shares <.SETI> to their highest in around two years.

In Singapore, PNE Micron surged 14.3 percent, leading a rally in Singapore-listed technology shares.

Bright spots in the region included Malaysia's top power producer, Tenaga Nasional , which rose 1.53 percent. After the market close it reported a net profit before currency effects of 538 million ringgit for its third quarter.

Trader's Highlight

DJI-NEW YORK, July 13 (Reuters) - U.S. stocks rallied for a sixth straight day on Tuesday after Alcoa's quarterly results heartened investors that had fled to the sidelines on jitters about the sustainability of the economic recovery.

Even so, recent low volume suggests the market's longest winning streak since mid-April could be running out of steam, while the cost of protection in the options market against a market drop keeps growing.

The Dow Jones industrial average <.DJI> gained 146.75 points, or 1.44 percent, to 10,363.02. The Standard & Poor's 500 Index <.SPX> rose 16.59 points, or 1.54 percent, to 1,095.34. The Nasdaq Composite Index <.IXIC> jumped 43.67 points, or 1.99 percent, to 2,242.03.

NYMEX-NEW YORK, July 13 (Reuters) - U.S. crude oil futures ended on Tuesday nearly 3 percent higher and posted the highest close in two weeks, as energy investors were encouraged by a rally on Wall Street sparked by earnings optimism.

Major U.S. stock indexes were up sharply in late trading, aided from the opening by better-than-expected results from Alcoa Inc and CSX Corp CSX., which gave a promising start to the earnings season.

On the New York Mercantile Exchange, August crude settled $2.20 higher, or 2.94 percent, at $77.15 a barrel, the highest close since June 28's settlement at $78.25. It traded from $74.25 to $77.37, the highest intraday since June 29's session peak of $78.32.

CBOT-CHICAGO, July 13 (Reuters) - Chicago Board of Trade grain and soy complex close on Tuesday.

CBOT-SOYBEANS - July down 1-1/4 cents per bushel at $10.30-1/2. New-crop November up 3-1/2 at $9.54-1/2. Profit-taking and adjustment of bull spreads weighed on July while November boosted by unwinding of some bull spreads and on some forecasts for hotter and drier weather in the U.S. in late July and August, which could harm the soybean crop.

CBOT-SOYOIL - July up 0.42 cent per lb at 37.92. Support from oil/meal spreading and gains in crude oil.

FCPO-JAKARTA, July 13 (Reuters) - Malaysian crude palm oil closed up on Tuesday as players expected slowing production to support the market and as crude oil prices rebounded.

The benchmark September contract on Bursa Malaysia's Derivatives Exchange closed up 13 ringgit or 0.56 percent to 2,353 ringgit ($735.31) a tonne. Overall volume stood at 13,841 lots of 25 tonnes each, above the usual 10,000 lots.

Malaysian Palm Oil Board said on Monday palm oil production rose 2.5 percent to 1.42 million tonnes in June, lower than the market estimates for a six percent, as yields from key palm oil growing region of Sabah on Borneo Island were still lagging.

REGIONAL EQUITIES-COLOMBO, July 13 (Reuters) - Most Southeast Asian stock markets closed modestly firmer on Tuesday on cautious optimism over the upcoming earning season.

Indonesia <.JKSE>, the region's best performer, and Singapore <.FTSTI> each edged up 0.1 percent, Malaysia <.KLSE> rose 0.5 percent, the Philippines <.PSI> gained 0.9 percent and Vietnam <.VNI> closed 1.8 percent firmer.

In Singapore, oil and gas services firm Ezra Holdings rose 2.8 percent, a day after it reported a 37 percent increase in its third-quarter net profit to $25.7 million and said it was cautiously optimistic about the outlook for the next
12 months.

Singapore-based analysts said they expect trading volumes to pick up from the latter part of July after the release of second-quarter gross domestic product data on Wednesday.

In Kaula Lumpur, gainers included PLUS Expressways' 2.8 percent rise and Genting's 1.1 percent rise.

Trader's Highlight

DJI-NEW YORK, July 12 (Reuters) - Caution prevailed in the U.S. stock market on Monday, with indexes edging higher as investors kept bets to a minimum in front of earnings.

Volume was among the lightest of the year with investors wanting to see if corporate outlooks validate last week's surge, the strongest week in a year. Dow component Alcoa Inc reported its second-quarter results after the closing bell.

Earnings are "going to be the test to the durability of the bounce that started last week," said Scott Marcouiller, senior equity market strategist at Wells Fargo Advisors in St. Louis.

The Dow Jones industrial average <.DJI> added 18.24 points, or 0.18 percent, to end at 10,216.27. The Standard & Poor's 500 Index <.SPX> edged up just 0.79 of a point, or 0.07 percent, to 1,078.75. The Nasdaq Composite Index <.IXIC> gained 1.91 points, or 0.09 percent, to close at 2,198.36.

NYMEX-NEW YORK, July 12 (Reuters) - U.S. crude oil futures fell on Monday after advancing for three sessions, as traders turned cautious ahead of the corporate reports season which will likely gauge the strength of the economic recovery.

Traders also took some profits after last week's hefty gains, triggering a price slide below $75 that cooled support for front-month August crude. On the New York Mercantile Exchange, August crude settled down $1.14, or 1.5 percent, at $74.95 a barrel, trading from $74.52 to $76.43 a barrel.

CBOT-CHICAGO, July 12 (Reuters) - Chicago Board of Trade grain and soy complex close on Monday.

CBOT-SOYBEANS - July up 6-1/4 cents at $10.31-3/4 per bushel; new-crop November down 2-1/4 cents at $9.51. Old-crop months boosted by slow farmer selling, higher cash markets and talk China bought more U.S. soy while gains
limited in new-crop months by overall good crop weather in the U.S.

CBOT-SOYOIL - August up 0.12 cent at 37.50 cents per lb.

FCPO-KUALA LUMPUR, July 12 (Reuters) - Malaysian crude palm oil rose to its highestin 10 days on Monday as investors were buoyed by China's strong trade performance and lower-than-expected stocks.

Palm oil prices, which have dropped 12.7 percent so far this year, are set to gain in the coming days after industry regulator Malaysian Palm Oil Board reported that palm oil stocks dropped to 10-month lows in June.

The benchmark September contract rose as much as 1.8 percent to 2,341 ringgit ($732), a high unseen since July 2. The contract ended up 38 ringgit at 2,33ringgit. Overall volume shot up to 15,201 lots of 25 tonnes each from
the usual 10,000 lots.

REGIONAL EQUITIES-BANGKOK, July 12 (Reuters) - Most Southeast Asian stock markets rose on Monday, with Indonesia approaching an all-time high and the Philippines at a 2-1/2-year high as investors bought companies set for good profits in the upcoming results season.

Thai stocks ended a shade lower but still hovered around a two-year high, with positive sentiment in financial firms ahead of results due to be released from this week.

In Singapore, the index <.FTSTI> rose 0.3 percent to stand around two-month highs ahead of second-quarter gross domestic product data on July 14.

Shares in Singapore-listed chemical firm SunVic Chemical surged 11.8 percent on expectations the firm would report strong second-quarter earnings, traders said.

Media firm Singapore Press Holdings rose 1 percent before it reported after the market close that its February-May net profit rose 29.9 percent from a year before to S$164.6 million ($119.3 million) as revenue from the newspaper and magazine segments rose.

Malaysia added 0.2 percent on the session, led by a 3 percent rise in telecoms firm Axiata Group and a 1.7 percent rise in PPB Group .

Trader's Highlight

DJI-NEW YORK, July 9 (Reuters) - Wall Street closed out its best week in a year on Friday, snapping back from a long stretch of selling, as investors looked ahead to what many expect will be a solid earnings season.

Stocks ended near the day's highs, but trading was thin. Just 6.197 billion shares traded on the New York Stock Exchange, the American Stock Exchange and Nasdaq, making it the lowest-volume day of the year.

The Dow Jones industrial average <.DJI> was up 59.04 points, or 0.58 percent, at 10,198.03. The Standard & Poor's 500 Index <.SPX> was up 7.70 points, or 0.72 percent, at 1,077.95. The Nasdaq Composite Index <.IXIC> was up 21.05 points, or 0.97 percent, at 2,196.45.

NYMEX-NEW YORK, July 9 (Reuters) - U.S. crude oil futures ended higher for the third consecutive day on Friday and notched the beefiest weekly gain since May as upward momentum held on demand optimism following Thursday's data showing a large crude supply drawdown.

With the day's advance, crude oil posted a weekly gain of 5.48 percent, bouncing from a hefty loss of 8.5 percent in the week to July 2. The week's gain was the biggest percentage-wise since the week ending to May 28, when oil futures closed up 5.61 percent.

On the New York Mercantile Exchange, crude for August delivery settled up 65 cents, or 0.86 percent, at $76.09 a barrel, the highest settlement since the $75.63 close on June 30. It traded between $75 and $76.48, also the highest since June 30's intraday peak of $76.83.

CBOT-CHICAGO, July 9 (Reuters) - Chicago Board of Trade grain and soy complex close on Friday.

CBOT-SOYBEANS - July up 13 cents at $10.25-1/2 per bushel; new-crop November up 7-1/4 cents at $9.53-1/4. Front month contract hits highest level since January 7 due to tight supplies on cash market. New crop months also firm amid strong export demand.

CBOT-SOYOIL - August up 0.51 cent at 37.50 cents per lb. Following soybeans and support from USDA's July s/d report that showed ending soyoil stocks below the forecast in June. Firm crude oil market also supportive.

FCPO-JAKARTA, July 9 (Reuters) - Malaysian crude palm oil settled up 0.48 percent Friday on gains crude oil and grains markets with players expect gains to continue next week, traders said.

The benchmark September contract on Bursa Malaysia's Derivatives Exchange ended up 11 ringit to 2,300 ringgit ($720) a tonne by after trading as high as 2,320 ringgit per tonne. Overall volume stood at 17,049 lots of 25 tonnes each, above the usual 10,000 lots.

REGIONAL EQUITIES-BANGKOK, July 9 (Reuters) - Malaysian shares climbed to their highest since June 29 on Friday as optimism about interest margins lifted banks, and most other Southeast Asian bourses extended recent gains after positive global economic indicators.

Malaysia's central bank raised its benchmark rate by 25 basis points on Thursday, its third rise in five months, but signalled rates would now be on hold as it assessed the health of the global economic recovery.

Malaysia's benchmark stock index <.KLSE> ended up 0.6 percent, with financial firm AMMB Holdings up 1 percent, second-largest lender CIMB up 0.6 percent and Malayan Banking up 0.3 percent.

In Singapore, Singapore Telecommunications , Southeast Asia's biggest telecoms firm and the largest listed Singapore firm by market capitalisation, rose 0.65 percent to S$3.09.

Credit Suisse has raised its target price to S$3.76 from S$3.72, and maintained its "outperform" rating, as it expects a better earnings contribution from Singtel's stake in Bharti Airtel .

Shares in Singapore-listed shipbuilder Yangzijiang Shipbuilding rose 3.6 percent as investors believe it will report strong earnings for the second quarter and be on the lookout for acquisitions.

Trader's Highlight

DJ-NEW YORK, July 8 (Reuters) - Wall Street rose for a third straight day on Thursday as investors were encouraged to see jobless claims fall and a handful of large retailers report solid sales.

Stocks have regained their footing after a slew of poor data had raised fears of a double-dip recession. But low market volume suggested investors are still skeptical, and few expect to see a sustained rally.

The Dow rose more than 1 percent, bolstered by late-day buying. Consumer staples <.GSPS> were the S&P's best-performing sector, with Costco Wholesale Corp rising 2.6 percent at $55.71. The sector gained 1.5 percent.

NYMEX-NEW YORK, July 8 (Reuters) - U.S. crude oil futures ended higher for the second consecutive day on Thursday as government data showing a bigger-than-expected drawdown in domestic crude inventories and gains in equities whetted risk appetite.

Gasoline and heating oil futures rose even though the government data showed that their physical stocks rose.

CBOT-July 8 (Reuters) - CBOT grain and soy complex closing trends on Thursday.

CBOT-SOYBEANS - September up 12-1/2 cents per bushel at at $9.53-1/2. Reaching a six-month high on continuous price charts on firm cash supplies and fresh sales to China. Additional strength from fund buying amid weather concerns in Europe and China. This week's drop in U.S. soybean condition ratings adds support.

CBOT-SOYOIL - September down 0.16 cent per lb at 36.96 cents per lb.

FCPO-JAKARTA, July 8 (Reuters) - Malaysian crude palm oil closed nearly 1 percent higher on Thursday, recovering from losses the previous day on gains in crude oil, but worries over inventories and a firmer ringgit limited gains.

The benchmark September contract on Bursa Malaysia's Derivatives Exchange settled up 20 ringgit or 0.88 percent to 2,290 ringgit ($716) a tonne after trading as high as 2,310 ringgit per tonne. Overall volume stood at 14,577 lots of 25 tonnes each, more than the usual 10,000 lots.

REGIONAL EQUITIES-BANGKOK, July 8 (Reuters) - Southeast Asian stock markets gained on Thursday, helped by a rise on Wall Street and a rebound in oil prices that pushed up energy and related sectors.

Domestic buying fuelled gains as shares around Asia moved higher after a bullish financial company forecast fuelled optimism about the coming U.S. earnings season and underpinned a slow return by investors to riskier assets.

Singapore's benchmark stock index <.FTSTI> rose 1.3 percent to the highest since May 13 while the Philippines <.PSI> climbed 1.4 percent to the highest since January 2008.

Malaysia <.KLSE> posted a smaller gain of 0.3 percent before a decision by Malaysia's central bank to raise its key interest rate by 25 basis points, its third increase in five months, citing strong growth prospects for its economy.