Trader's Highlight

DJI-NEW YORK, Nov 29 (Reuters) - U.S. stocks edged down in a low-volume session on Monday on worries Europe's credit crisis will spread despite a weekend agreement to bail out Ireland.

But stocks finished well off their lows of the day as the dollar retraced some of its earlier gains and energy and financial stocks rallied late in the session.

The Dow Jones industrial average <.DJI> dropped 39.51 points, or 0.36 percent, to 11,052.49. The Standard & Poor's 500 Index <.SPX> fell 1.64 points, or 0.14 percent, to 1,187.76. The Nasdaq Composite Index <.IXIC> lost 9.34 points, or 0.37 percent, to 2,525.22.

NYMEX-NEW YORK, Nov 29 (Reuters) - U.S. crude oil futures rebounded more than 2 percent on Monday, fueled by a rally in gasoline and heating oil futures and geopolitical risks.

U.S. gasoline futures climbed to the highest level since May 5 -- a near seven-month high -- on the spot-continuation chart.

On the New York Mercantile Exchange, crude for January delivery settled up $1.97, or 2.35 percent, at $85.73 a barrel, trading from $83.59 to $85.83, the highest since Nov. 12's $87.85.

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

CBOT-SOYMEAL - December down 50 cents at $336.30 a ton. Soyoil/soymeal spreading weighs on soymeal.

CBOT-SOYOIL - December down 0.03 cent at 49.87 cents per lb.
Weighed down by sag in soybeans but talk China was seeking palm oil and rising crude oil prices limit declines.

FCPO-KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 29 (Reuters) - Malaysian crude palm oil futures hit a two-week high on Monday as caution receded after European authorities agreed to bail out Ireland and concerns grew over the weather in oilseed growing regions.

The price of the vegetable oil resumed a rally ahead of a price outlook conference starting in Indonesia on Wednesday from which traders are expecting bullish forecasts.

Benchmark February 2011 palm oil on the Bursa Malaysia Derivatives Exchange rose as much as 112 ringgit, or 3.5 percent, to 3,390 Malaysian ringgit ($1,075) per tonne in the afternoon session before settling at 3,381 ringgit. Traded volumes almost doubled from the usual to 18,360 lots of 25 tonnes each.

REGIONAL EQUITIES-COLOMBO, Nov 29 (Reuters) - Most Southeast Asian stock markets closed firmer on Monday in thin volume as positive sentiment over Ireland's bailout package provided relief, while Thailand gained after a court ruling removed worries there could be a forced change in government.

Risk-averse investors mostly stayed on the sidelines, waiting for clear direction over the euro zone debt crisis and the tension on the Korean peninsula.

Malaysia <.KLSE> gained 0.3 percent after falling as much as 1 percent in early trade, Vietnam <.VNI> rose for a fifth straight session, adding 1.5 percent to a two-week high, while Singapore <.FTSTI> recovered from an early 0.4 percent drop.

Trader's Highlight

DJI-NEW YORK, Nov 26 (Reuters) - Commodity-related shares led U.S. stocks lower on Friday in a shortened post-holiday session, as investors unloaded risky assets on worries that euro-zone debt problems may continue to spread.

The U.S. dollar rallied while the euro slid to a new two-month low amid fears that Portugal and Spain could follow Ireland in needing bailouts to shore up their economies.

The Dow Jones industrial average <.DJI> dropped 95.28 points, or 0.85 percent, to end at 11,092. The Standard & Poor's 500 <.SPX> slipped 8.95 points, or 0.75 percent, to 1,189.40. The Nasdaq Composite <.IXIC> lost 8.56 points, or 0.34 percent, to 2,534.56.

NYMEX-NEW YORK, Nov 26 (Reuters) - U.S. crude oil futures prices settled slightly lower after seesawing in light, post-holiday trading volume on Friday, weighed down by Europe's debt crisis that pushed the euro to a two-month low against the dollar.

But reduced throughput in a Canada-U.S. crude oil pipeline, a refinery snag in Texas and geopolitical tensions helped limit losses by crude oil futures and crude futures prices posted a gain for the week.

On the New York Mercantile Exchange, January crude fell 10 cents, or 0.12 percent, to settle at $83.76 a barrel, trading from $82.78 to $84.53.

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

CBOT-SOYBEANS - January down 16-1/2 cents per bushel at $12.38-1/2. Higher dollar, lower crude oil and lower equities weigh on market with further pressure from news China will be auctioning soybeans on Dec. 3.

CBOT-SOYOIL - December down 0.34 cent per lb at 49.90. Following soybeans, with lower crude oil also weighing.

FCPO-KUALA LUMPUR,Nov 26 (Reuters) - Malaysian palm oil futures fell on Friday as a stronger dollar prompted some profit taking although concerns over the monsoon hurting output limited losses.

Strong China demand for U.S. soybeans, which are crushed into oils, supported vegetable oil markets amid the government's call for banks to support the agriculture sector facing shortages in corn and other crops.

The benchmark February 2011 crude palm oil contract on the Bursa Malaysia Derivatives Exchange shed 0.4percent to 3,264 Malaysian ringgit ($1,042) per tonne by midday. The market jumped to its highest in three days the previous day. Traded volume stood at 5,300 lots of 25 tonnes each.

REGIONAL EQUITIES-BANGKOK, Nov 26 (Reuters) - Most Southeast Asian stock markets fell on Friday in light volume, with Philippine shares leading losses this week as regional economic growth slows, but appetite for newly listed firms appeared healthy.

Manila's main index <.PSI> shed 1.07 percent, at one point hitting a two-month low, after the Philippine economy unexpectedly contracted in the third quarter, raising concerns of slowing corporate earnings growth.

Singapore <.FTSTI> and Malaysia <.KLSE> both snapped two days of gains. Thailand's SET index <.SETI> fell for a third straight session to a one-week low, while Indonesia's index <.JKSE> lost almost 2 percent, reversing its previous session's gains.

In Kuala Lumpur, newly listed Petronas Chemicals shares ended 5.4 percent higher than the offered retail price of 5.04 ringgit. The stock jumped over 13 percent in early trade as investors piled into the $4.1 billion IPO, Southeast Asia's largest ever. Its sheer size is a sign that demand for Asian stocks remains firm despite jittery global markets.

Trader's Highlight

DJI-NEW YORK, Nov 24 (Reuters) - Wall Street rallied as U.S. stock investors put aside worries about swirling global problems on Wednesday, turning to improvement in the labor market and signs consumers are ready to open their wallets ahead of the biggest shopping day of the year.

New claims for unemployment benefits hit their lowest level in more than two years last week while consumer spending rose for a fourth straight month in October, suggesting the economy is nearing a self-sustaining recovery.

The Dow Jones industrial average <.DJI> jumped 150.91 points, or 1.37 percent, to 11,187.28. The Standard & Poor's 500 Index <.SPX> rose 17.62 points, or 1.49 percent, to 1,198.35. The Nasdaq Composite Index <.IXIC> gained 48.17 points, or 1.93percent, to 2,543.12.

NYMEX-NEW YORK, Nov 24 (Reuters) - Oil prices rose more than 3 percent on Wednesday, lifted by data that suggested economic recovery is improving and by pre-Thanksgiving holiday short covering.

While U.S. crude inventories rose last week against expectations they would fall, the rise in the government's weekly inventory report was less than the jump industry reported on Tuesday, leaving brokers and analysts relieved.

On the New York Mercantile Exchange, January crude rose $2.61, or 3.21 percent, to settle at $83.86 a barrel, trading from $80.97 to $84.25. The day's peak was reached in post-settlement data.

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

CBOT-SOYBEANS - January up 16 cents per bushel at $12.55. Brisk demand for cash soy including news of a huge sale of U.S. soy to China and support from concerns about dry weather in portions of South America's crop region. Also support from a rebound in corn futures and a technical bounce after the recent slide in prices.

CBOT-SOYOIL - December up 1.02 cents per lb at 50.24. Spillover support from higher soybeans and supportive U.S. Census Bureau crush report.

FCPO-KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 24 (Reuters) - Malaysian palm oil futures rebounded from three-week lows on Wednesday on the back of a firmer overseas soy complex and expectations of strong overseas demand.

U.S. soy <0#S:> and soyoil futures <0#BO:> rose during Asian trading hours, driven by strong commercial buying and output pressure due to drier weather in Latin America.

The benchmark Feb. 2011 crude palm oil contract jumped as much as 3 percent earlier in the day, before paring some gains to close trade at 3,168 ringgit ($1,013). Overall traded volume was 7,200 lots of 25 tonnes each, compared to the usual 10,000 lots.

REGIONAL EQUITIES-BANGKOK, Nov 24 (Reuters) - Most Southeast Asian stock markets regained lost ground on Wednesday a day after sell-offs triggered by Korean tension.

Singapore <.FTSTI> finished up 0.34 percent, reversing a 2 percent drop to a three-week low on Tuesday, as investors built up positions along with recovering Asian bourses, while Malaysia <.KLSE> gained its lost ground to end nearly unchanged.

Among gainers in the region, Singapore's casino operator Genting Singapore rose as much as 3 percent on bargain hunting after its recent sell-off made its valuation more attractive while Malaysian financial firm CIMB Group Holdings rose 0.4 percent.

Breaking News-RTRS - China to expand soyoil, soymeal futures trading limits, margin

BEIJING, Nov 22 (Reuters) - Daily trading limits for soyoil and soymeal futures on the Dalian Commodity Exchange will be expanded from Tuesday's settlement, the bourse said on Monday.
The upper and lower limits for the contracts would be expanded to 5 percent from 4 percent, while the trading margin would be lifted to 7 percent from 5 percent, the exchange said in a statement published on its website.
The move, aimed at preventing speculation and big fluctuations in futures prices, was likely to have little impact on the prices, which have been falling since earlier this month on concern over China's monetary tightening measures following surges in agricultural commodities prices, said analysts.

Trader's Highlight

DJI-NEW YORK, Nov 22 (Reuters) - Bank shares weighed on Wall Street on Monday as Europe's smoldering debt crisis and fears of an insider trading probe in the United States sapped buying interest for most of the session.

But the Nasdaq fared better than the Dow and the S&P 500 after upgrades to chipmaker SanDisk Corp and chip-gear makers Amkor Technology Inc and Teradyne Inc .

The Dow Jones industrial average <.DJI> fell 24.97 points, or 0.22 percent, to 11,178.58. The Standard & Poor's 500 Index <.SPX> dipped 1.89 points, or 0.16 percent, to 1,197.84. But the Nasdaq Composite Index <.IXIC> gained 13.90 points, or 0.55 percent, to 2,532.02.

NYMEX-NEW YORK, Nov 22 (Reuters) - U.S. crude oil futures ended lower on Monday as euro slumped and the dollar strengthened due to uncertainty about how Ireland's debt bailout would be carried out.

Investors feared that financial problems may also affect
other euro zone countries saddled with debt. On the New York Mercantile Exchange,January crude settled 24 cents lower, or 0.29 percent, at $81.74, trading from $80.68 to $82.87.

On the New York Mercantile Exchange, January crude settled 24 cents lower, or 0.29 percent, at $81.74, trading from $80.68 to $82.87.

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

CBOT-SOYBEANS - January up 20 cents per bushel at $12.21-1/2. Supported by short-covering after the steep slide of prices on Friday and mounting concerns about dryness in Argentina. News Ireland would receive a bailout initially viewed as supportive as the dollar sagged but the dollar then turned firm.

CBOT-SOYOIL - December up 0.22 cent per lb at 49.18. Strength in soybeans offsets spillover weakness from a fall in Malaysian and Dalian palm oil futures.

FCPO-KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 22 (Reuters) - Malaysian palm oil futures slid 4.4 percent on Monday after China's central bank stepped up controls on money supply and credit last week, a move that may limit the country's demand for vegetable oils.

China's central bank said on Friday it will raise cash reserve requirements on banks for the second time in two weeks, stepping up its battle to rein in prices before inflation has a chance to take off.

The benchmark Feb. 2011 Malaysia palm oil contract fell as much as 147 ringgit to 3,179 ringgit ($1,021) per tonne before settling at 3,184 ringgit. Traded volume more than doubled to 20,887 lots of 25 tonnes each.

REGIONAL EQUITIES-BANGKOK, Nov 22 (Reuters) - Most Southeast Asian stock markets ended slightly lower on Monday, with concerns over China's policies weighing on Singapore's property shares and dampening sentiment in regional palm plantation stocks.

Across the region, risk aversion generally faded after global financial authorities agreed to save debt-swamped Ireland and safeguard Europe's wider financial stability, with Indonesia <.JKSE> reversing early losses to end 0.4 percent higher.

Singapore <.FTSTI> and Malaysia <.KLSE> each eased 0.2 percent, regaining early lost ground. The Philippines <.PSI> fell 0.4 percent and Vietnam <.VNI> slid 0.08 percent, after earlier dropping to 16-month lows.

In Singapore, property shares fell after China and Hong Kong took steps to cool their property markets, with City Developments down 3.2 percent and CapitaLand 0.8 percent lower.

Amongst losers, Malaysia's second largest palm oil conglomerate IOI Corp fell 0.3 percent and Singapore's Wilmar International Ltd slid 0.5 percent.

Trader's Highlight

DJI-NEW YORK, Nov 19 (Reuters) - Hopes Ireland's debt crisis will soon be resolved lifted investor sentiment and the euro on Friday even as U.S. oil prices slid after China sought to curb inflation for the second time in two weeks.

Wall Street rebounded late in the session, pulling along global stocks, on a rally in semiconductors. But the broad U.S. market finished just below a key psychological level, a sign shares could trade in a tight range through year's end.

On Wall Street, the Dow Jones industrial average <.DJI> was up 22.32 points, or 0.20 percent, at 11,203.55. The Standard & Poor's 500 Index <.SPX> was up 3.04 points, or 0.25 percent, at 1,199.73. The Nasdaq Composite Index <.IXIC> was up 3.72 points, or 0.15 percent, at 2,518.12.

NYMEX-NEW YORK, Nov 19 (Reuters) - U.S. crude oil futures fell for the fifth session in six on Friday, wrapping up a second straight week of losses, as China increased bank reserve requirements to fight high inflation.

China's move, seen likely to temper consumption in the world's second largest oil consumer, spurred further speculation that it might increase interest rates.

On the New York Mercantile Exchange, crude for December delivery expired at the close and settled 34 cents lower, or 0.42 percent, at $81.51 a barrel, after trading from $80.59 to $82.75.

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

CBOT-SOYBEANS - January down 40-1/2 cents per bushel at $12.01-1/2. Nervous profit-taking after the big rally on Thursday. China's plans to rein in food inflation and news China will be selling vegoils from reserves adding pressure.

CBOT-SOYOIL - December down 1.96 cents per lb at 48.96. News China plans to sell vegoils from reserves weighing on soyoil futures.

FCPO-KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 19 (Reuters) - Malaysian palm oil edged higher on Friday as anxieties over Irish debt crisis eased a little, although gains were limited by a likelihood of China interest rates hike.

But the market is still set to post its first weekly loss since September, driven earlier by some technical selling and concern Malaysian palm oil exports in the second half of November may slow on the recent strength in the U.S. dollar.

The benchmark Feb 2011 palm oil on the Bursa Malaysia Derivatives Exchange ended 8 ringgit up at 3,326 ringgit ($1,068) per tonne in choppy trade. Overall trade volumes more than doubled to 22,335 lots at 25 tonnes each.

REGIONAL EQUITIES-COLOMBO, Nov 19 (Reuters) - Most Southeast Asian stock markets closed firmer on Friday as foreign inflows picked on easing concerns over the euro zone debt crisis.

Thailand <.SETI> saw the year's largest foreign inflows with $186 million, helping nudge the market up 0.4 percent following outflows of $318.7 million in six sessions through Wednesday.

Malaysia <.KLSE> rose 0.6 percent, led by financials with a 1.6 percent rise in Malayan Banking. Bucking the trend Singapore <.FTSTI> lost 0.6 percent on worries of possible rate increases in China and regional price controls.

Breaking News-RTRS - China plans price controls to tackle food inflation

BEIJING, Nov 16 (Reuters) - China will unveil food price controls and crack down on speculation in agricultural commodities to contain inflationary pressure that its central bank governor highlighted as a risk on Tuesday.
With consumer prices rising at their fastest pace in more than two years, the National Development and Reform Commission, the country's top planning agency, is preparing a "one-two punch" of actions to rein in food costs, official media reported.
Such direct intervention would mark an escalation of the government's efforts to tame inflation and underline its worries over the rapid run-up in food prices.

Trader's Highlight

DJI-NEW YORK, Nov 17 (Reuters) - The S&P 500 and Nasdaq indexes were modestly higher on Wednesday, led by gains among retailers after a bullish outlook from Target, but Europe's debt crisis kept investors cautious.

Discount chain Target Corp jumped nearly 4 percent to $55.62 after it forecast its best same-store sales in three years during the upcoming holiday season. The outlook sparked a 1 percent rise in the S&P retail index <.RLX>.

The Dow Jones industrial average <.DJI> was down 0.03 points, or 0.00 percent, at 11,023.47. The Standard & Poor's 500 Index <.SPX> was up 2.48 points, or 0.21 percent, at 1,180.82. The Nasdaq Composite Index <.IXIC> was up 13.91 points, or 0.5percent, at 2,483.75.

NYMEX-NEW YORK, Nov 17 (Reuters) - U.S. crude oil futures settled
on Wednesday at their lowest in four weeks on persistent concerns that China will take steps to cool inflation, curbing demand from the world's biggest economic growth engine.

Crude prices fell for a fourth straight session as worries about euro zone debt and Europe's economy added to doubts about oil demand. Prices came under early pressure from a stronger dollar, but the U.S. currency later weakened.

On the New York Mercantile Exchange, December crude fell $1.90, or 2.31 percent, to settle at $80.44 a barrel, the lowest close since Oct. 19's $79.49.

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

CBOT-SOYBEANS - January down 14-3/4 cents per bushel at
$12.05. Long-liquidation weighed as did falling soyoil in step with
a drop in crude oil.

CBOT-SOYOIL - December down 1.03 cents per lb at 48.94. Pressure from lower crude oil.

FCPO-KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 16 (Reuters) - Palm oil and soyoil markets tumbled on Tuesday after China unveiled plans to impose food price controls and tame inflation that has accelerated in the world's No. 2 importer of vegetable oils.

Traders say China's plan to also crack down on speculation in agriculturalcommodities could be a precursor to an interest rate hike to cool food driven inflation in the Asia country. [ID:nTOE6AF03I]

Malaysian palm oil fell as much as 3.3 percent to more than one-week lows of 3,260 ringgit ($1,040) per tonne -- a level unseen since Nov. 4.

U.S. soyoil gave up 2.5 percent, while China's most active Sept 2011 contract on the Dalian Commodity Exchange closed 2 percent lower in volatile trade.

REGIONAL EQUITIES-COLOMBO, Nov 17 (Reuters) - Southeast Asian stock markets closed weaker on Wednesday, continuing a losing trend on foreign outflows, worries over euro zone debt, fears of a rise in Chinese interest rates and talk over capital controls.

Foreign selling hit Thailand and the Philippines as foreign institutions cashed in profits, although local retail investors were on the buying side.

Indonesia is trading at a 15.5 forward price-to-earnings ratio, below all-Asia's 13.3and richer than Thailand's 12.1. The Philippines is trading at 13.3, while Singapore and Malaysia are trading at 14.0 and 14.1 respectively, Thomson Reuters StarMine data showed.

Trader's Highlight

DJI-NEW YORK, Nov 15 (Reuters) - U.S. stocks slipped on Monday as concerns the Federal Reserve may scale back its efforts to stimulate the economy muted optimism over two big takeover bids.

The S&P 500 held above its 20-day moving average, now near 1,196 and marking a potential support level, though the index closed slightly lower.

The Dow Jones industrial average <.DJI> edged up 9.39 points, or 0.08 percent, at 11,201.97. The Standard & Poor's 500 Index <.SPX> was off 1.46 points, or 0.12 percent, to 1,197.75. The Nasdaq Composite Index <.IXIC> slipped 4.39 points, or 0.17percent, to 2,513.82.

NYMEX-NEW YORK, Nov 15 (Reuters) - U.S. crude oil futures ended lower on Monday, dragged down by a late selloff in gasoline futures on talk of the restart of a large New Jersey refinery.

Worries about euro-zone debt, which caused the dollar to hit six-week highs, also pressured crude oil futures.

The trader talk focused on ConocoPhillips' 238,000 barrel per day refinery in Bayway, N.J. The refinery was shut n late September for major maintenance but has had several power outages during the work which had delayed the restart.

On the New York Mercantile Exchange, crude for December delivery settled down 2 cents, or 0.02 percent, at $84.86 a barrel, slipping from an early high of $85.77. It posted the day's low at $84.60.

CBOT-CHICAGO, Nov 15 (Reuters) - Chicago Board of Trade grain and soy complex close on Monday.

CBOT-SOYBEANS - January up 17-1/2 cents per bushel at
$12.86-1/2. Technical bounce after the limit-down close of soy futures on Friday due to talk China would raise interest rates over the weekend. Big soy crush number in NOPA monthly report also supportive.

CBOT-SOYOIL - December down 0.06 cent per lb at 52.47. Meal/oil spreading weighs on soyoil.

FCPO-KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 15 (Reuters) - Malaysian crude palm oil futures rebounded on Monday, as strong exports data outweighed concerns over China raising interest rates that kept the market on edge.

Malaysian palm oil exports jumped at least 26.6 percent for Nov. 1-15 versus a month ago, driven by stronger demand from China and the European Union.

The benchmark January 2011 contract on the Bursa Malaysia Derivatives Exchange crawl back up half a percent to 3,370 Malaysian ringgit ($1,084) per tonne, after easing from a 27-month high on Friday. Overall traded volume more than doubled to 23,282 lots of 25 tonnes each.

REGIONAL EQUITIES-BANGKOK, Nov 15 (Reuters) - Most Southeast Asian stock markets fell on Monday, as investors hugged the sidelines on renewed concerns over European debt problems and growing expectations of an interest rate rise in China.

Indonesia is trading at a 15.4 forward price-to-earnings ratio, richer than all-Asia's 13.6 times and more expensive than Thailand's 12.5. The Philippines is trading at 13.4, while Singapore is at 14.2 and Malaysia is trading at 14.1, Thomson Reuters StarMine data showed.

Trader's Highlight

DJI-NEW YORK, Nov 12 (Reuters) - U.S. stocks fell on Friday as inflation worries in China prompted investors to book profits and reassess whether to keep their bullish positions.

Reflecting the concerns, the CBOE Volatility Index <.VIX> jumped 10.8 percent to 20.66, the first time for the index to rise above 20 in over a week. The CBOE Nasdaq 100 Volatility Index <.VXN> also surged 16.4 percent to 22.55.

The Dow Jones industrial average <.DJI> dropped 106.83 points, or 0.95 percent, to 11,176.27. The Standard & Poor's 500 Index <.SPX> fell 16.13 points, or 1.33 percent, to 1,197.41. The Nasdaq Composite Index <.IXIC> slid 37.25 points, or 1.46 percent, to 2,518.27.

NYMEX-NEW YORK, Nov 12 (Reuters) - U.S. crude oil futures ended down more than 3 percent on Friday, as talk that China may raise interest rates triggered profit-taking after gains of almost 8 percent in two weeks.

Euro zone debt worries and a report from the Paris-based International Energy Agency, which trimmed its 2011 demand forecast, added pressure.

On the New York Mercantile Exchange, crude for December delivery settled down $2.93, or 3.34 percent, at $84.88 a barrel, having traded from $84.52 to $87.85. Volume was heavy, exceeding the 30-day average by about 11 percent, preliminary Reuters data showed.

CBOT-CHICAGO, Nov 12 (Reuters) - Chicago Board of Trade grain and soy complex futures close on Friday.

CBOT-SOYBEANS - January down 70 cent per bushel limit at $12.69; spot November , expired down 67-1/4 at $12.63. January contract dropped 5 percent to one-week low, hit by China rate-hike worries. Soy was technically overbought and due for a correction.

CBOT-SOYOIL - December down 2.50 cents per lb limit at 52.53 cents per lb. Retreating after extending a 26-month high on continuous price charts, pressured by talk of China may raise interest rates.

FCPO-KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 12 (Reuters) - Malaysian crude palm oil futures tumbled 2.7 percent on Friday amid a sell-off in commodities led by industrial metals and crude oil.

In the first 10 minutes of trade, benchmark January 2011 contract on the Bursa Malaysia Derivatives Exchange fell as much as 2.7 percent to 3,305 ringgit ($1,063.7).

Other vegetable oil markets also fell, pressured mostly by the stronger U.S. dollar as Ireland's fiscal problems gripped financial markets.

REGIONAL EQUITIES-BANGKOK, Nov 12 (Reuters) - Southeast Asian stock markets fell on Friday, led by commodities and banking shares, as investors took profits amid a broad retreat from risky assets.

In addition to increased risk-aversion, a rebound in the U.S. dollar and worries over capital controls dragged on regional indexes.

Malaysia <.KLSE> and Indonesia <.JKSE> both set record highs early this week but lost 0.9 percent and 2.1 percent respectively on Friday.

Singapore lender Oversea-Chinese Banking Corp slid 2.5 percent and Malaysian power producer Tenaga Nasional fell more than 1 percent to a four-month low.

Trader's Highlight

DJI-NEW YORK, Nov 11 (Reuters) - U.S. stocks declined on Thursday, led by technology losses as Cisco Systems Inc's weak outlook fueled worries that economic softness will hurt corporate profits.

Cisco lost 16 percent to $20.57 after the Internet network product provider's chief executive cautioned about "short-term challenges" in Europe and U.S. public-sector spending. Cisco forecast revenue and earnings below estimates late Wednesday.

Analysts saw the outlook as worrisome, particularly since profit growth for technology companies has outperformed the broader S&P 500 this earnings period and since Cisco's report came about a month after other top tech names reported.

The Dow Jones industrial average <.DJI> was down 61.19 points, or 0.54 percent, at 11,295.85. The Standard & Poor's 500 Index <.SPX> was down 4.12 points, or 0.34 percent, at 1,214.59. The Nasdaq Composite Index <.IXIC> was down 20.60 points, or 0.80 percent, at 2,558.18.

NYMEX-NEW YORK, Nov 11 (Reuters) - U.S. crude futures settled unchanged on Thursday, pulling back from a 25-month peak above $88 a barrel, as initial support from record Chinese demand in October and a demand forecast boost from OPEC was offset by pressure from the stronger dollar.

Thursday's early price jump followed Wednesday's U.S. Energy Information Administration report that revealed domestic crude oil inventories fell sharply last week, against expectations of a stock build, with refined products stocks falling more than expected.

On the New York Mercantile Exchange, December crude settled unchanged at $87.81 a barrel, trading from $87.54 to $88.63, the highest price since $89.82 was reached on Oct. 9, 2008.

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

CBOT-SOYBEANS - November up 20-3/4 cents at $13.30-1/4 per bushel; January up 19-1/2 at $13.39. Rally led by deferred contracts after Informa Economics forecast a drop in U.S. soybean plantings for 2011. Additional support from continued brisk demand for U.S. soybeans, especially by China, and from USDA's cut this week in its estimate for U.S. 2010/11 soybean ending stocks.

CBOT-SOYOIL - December up 1.08 cents at 55.03 cents per lb. Boosted by rallying soybeans and spot contract climbed to a fresh 26-month high. Contract highs hit in all contracts after December

FCPO-KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 11 (Reuters) - Malaysian palm oil futures hit fresh two-year highs on Thursday as traders took positions on cues from upbeat global commodity markets and fears of heavy rains affecting output.

Global commodities markets surged after inflation concerns stoked by data from China drew investors to physical assets as a way to protect wealth.
Malaysia's OSK financial group raised its CPO price estimates in 2010 and 2011 to 2,700 ringgit per tonne, compared with 2,500 ringgit made earlier, based on strong stocks level in first quarter next year that may not hold past mid-2011 due to a bumper crop.

Crude reached a 25-month high in Asian hours as strong industrial output sent demand in China to a record and a surplus subsided in top consumer the United States.

U.S. soyoil for December inched up during Asian trade hours, driven by firmer soybean that underpinned demand from China, the world's biggest importer.

REGIONAL EQUITIES-BANGKOK, Nov 11 (Reuters) - Most Southeast Asian stock markets fell on Thursday as investors booked quick profits from recent gains, with Indonesia and Malaysia both pulling back from record peaks.

Indonesia's main index <.JKSE> finished 0.3 percent lower. It climbed to a fresh intraday high at one stage, helped by demand for commodity shares. Malaysia <.KLSE>, which hit a record on Wednesday, fell 0.9 percent due to selling in banks.

Authorities in Indonesia and Malaysia were again suspected of entering the foreign exchange market to prevent their currencies from strengthening too rapidly. Dealers were still scrambling in the Philippines to cover short dollar positions after the central bank engineered a dollar shortage last week.

Trader's Highlight

DJI-NEW YORK, Nov 10 (Reuters) - U.S. stocks advanced on Wednesday as investors put the previous day's uncertainty aside and snapped up some of the week's biggest losers in renewed optimism the rally remains intact.

Banks, which lost 3 percent over the past two sessions, rebounded. The S&P 500 Financials index <.GSPF> gained 1.4 percent and was the best performer of the S&P 500's top 10 sectors.

The Dow Jones industrial average <.DJI> rose 10.29 points, or 0.09 percent, to end at 11,357.04. The Standard & Poor's 500 Index <.SPX> gained 5.31 points, or 0.44 percent, to 1,218.71. The Nasdaq Composite Index <.IXIC> advanced 15.80 points, or 0.62 percent, to close at 2,578.78.

NYMEX-NEW YORK, Nov 10 (Reuters) - U.S. crude oil futures prices rose to a 25-month high on Wednesday, pushing above $88 a barrel intraday, as government data showed crude oil inventories fell sharply last week, against expectations stocks would rise.

U.S. Energy Information Administration data showed that domestic crude inventories fell 3.3 million barrels last week, against a forecast for a 1.4 million barrel increase.

On the New York Mercantile Exchange, December crude rose $1.09, or 1.26 percent, to settle at $87.81 a barrel, the highest since front-month crude closed at $88.95 on Oct. 8, 2008. Wednesday's trading range was from $86.10 to $88.21, posting the intraday high in post-settlement trading.

CBOT-CHICAGO, Nov 10 (Reuters) - Chicago Board of Trade grain and soy complex futures close on Wednesday.

CBOT-SOYBEANS - November down 9-3/4 cents at $13.09-1/2 per bushel; January down 9-1/2 at $13.19-1/2. Firm dollar and profit-taking after the strong rally on Tuesday combine to weigh on market. Soybeans technically overbought and due for a downward correction.

CBOT-SOYOIL - December up 0.55 cent at 53.95 cents per lb. Turned higher, supported by an upturn in crude oil and strong global vegoil markets.

FCPO-KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 10 (Reuters) - Malaysian crude palm oil futures extended their rally into a fifth day as heavy rain in palm growing areas of the country was expected to curb production.

The benchmark Malaysia crude palm oil contract closed up about 1 percent at 3,393 ringgit ($1,089). It had hit a fresh two-year high of 3,410 ringgit in morning trade. before falling on concerns of poor demand and a firmer dollar.

Some planters said Malaysia's palm oil production may fall 5-10 percent each month for November and December as heavy rains curb yields and floods make transportation of the vegetable oil difficult.

Palm oil exports data from key export surveyors was also mixed, leading to volatile trading.

Exports of Malaysian palm oil products fell 1.1 percent to 390,534 tonnes for the first 10 days of November, according to cargo surveyor Intertek Testing Services.

The other key cargo surveyor Societe Generale de Surveillance, however, said exports of Malaysian palm oil products for Nov. 1-10 rose 1 percent to 386,762 tonnes from 382,828 tonnes shipped from Oct. 1-10.

Malaysia's October palm oil stocks rose 4.9 percent to a 10-month highs of 1,792,840 tonnes, industry regulator Malaysian Palm Oil Board said on Wednesday. Overall traded volume more than doubled to 29,471 lots of 25
tonnes each.

REGIONAL EQUITIES-BANGKOK, Nov 10 (Reuters) - Malaysian and Indonesian shares both rose for a fifth session to all-time highs on Wednesday, led by gains in big-cap banks, while most others in the region suffered profit-taking after recent gains.

Trading sentiment in Southeast Asian sharemarkets was generally lukewarm as the strong U.S. dollar dulled appetite for risk assets. The dollar index <.DXY> rose as high as 77.88 on the day, a level it last touched in late October.

Malaysia's main share index <.KLSE> inched up 0.1 percent to a record closing high of 1,528.01. It climbed to a record intraday high of 1,531.99 at one point as investors continued to move cash into stocks, a Kuala Lumpur-based dealer said.

Among financial outperformers, Malaysia's Hong Leong Bank rose 4.7 percent while Indonesia's PT Bank International Indonesia surged 25 percent.

Late selling pulled Thai shares off <.SETI> their highest level in more than 14 years while Singapore's Straits Times Index <.FTSTI> dropped 0.7 percent, pausing after climbing to a 34-month high on Tuesday, pulled lower by weaknesses in commodity stocks.

A worse-than-expected result for Singapore's Wilmar International , the world's biggest listed palm oil plantation firm, triggered profit-taking in the stock and its commodity peers, dealers said. [ID:nSGE6A804R]

Wilmar dropped 5.4 percent. Olam International fell 3 percent while Golden Agri-Resources lost 2.6 percent. Buying interest in palm oil shares had helped push Singapore to multi-year highs amid price optimism.

Trader's Highlight

DJI-NEW YORK, Nov 9 (Reuters) - Wall Street fell for a second day on Tuesday as selling accelerated into the close, led by sharp losses in bank and metal stocks.

In a market ripe for profit-taking, sellers had a number of triggers late in the session to unload shares. The biggest negatives were a sudden decline in the euro and a late-day slump in the Treasury market.

Financial stocks, which were already soft, were hit harder as interest rates rose late in the day. Metals and energy stocks, which had been the standout performers, gave up earlier gains after the price of several commodities suddenly fell from lofty levels.

The Dow Jones industrial average <.DJI> slid 60.09 points, or 0.53 percent, to 11,346.75. The Standard & Poor's 500 Index <.SPX> dropped 9.85 points, or 0.81 percent, to 1,213.40. The Nasdaq Composite Index <.IXIC> lost 17.07 points, or 0.66 percent, to close at 2,562.98.

NYMEX-NEW YORK, Nov 9 (Reuters) - U.S. crude oil futures fell on Tuesday on profit-taking, ending a six-day winning streak, during which prices rose nearly 7 percent.

Crude oil earlier in the day hit a fresh two-year high but then came under pressure from a resurgent dollar.

On the New York Mercantile Exchange, crude for December delivery settled down 34 cents, or 0.39 percent, at $86.72 a barrel, after trading from $86.38 to $87.63, the highest intraday price for front-month crude since Oct. 9, 2008, when the day's peak hit $89.82.

CBOT-CHICAGO, Nov 9 (Reuters) - Chicago Board of Trade grain and soy complex futures close on Tuesday.

CBOT-SOYBEANS - November up 54-3/4 cents at $13.19-1/4 per bushel; January up 54-1/4 at $13.29. Market boosted by a surprise reduction in USDA's estimate of the U.S. 2010 soybean crop and bullish ending stocks data in USDA's November supply/demand reports. Additional support from weak dollar and broad strength in commodities.

CBOT-SOYOIL - December up 1.39 cents to 53.40 cents per lb. Rose to highest spot price in more than 26 months on spillover strength from soybeans and soaring global vegoil markets.

FCPO-KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 9 (Reuters) - Malaysian crude palm oil futures rose nearly 3 percent to touch a fresh two-year high on Tuesday, supported by gains across the commodity markets.

January 2011 palm futures on the Bursa Malaysia Derivatives Exchange rose 90 ringgit to 3,363 ringgit ($1,076) after touching a more than two-year high of 3,372 ringgit earlier in the day -- a level unseen since July 2008. Overall traded volume almost doubled to 19,963 lots of 25 tonnes.

Traders, who are awaiting official data on Malaysia's palm oil production, stocks, imports and exports due on Wednesday, said prices of the vegetable oil are likely to stay firm despite a poll showing that the stocks level may hit new highs.

REGIONAL EQUITIES-BANGKOK, Nov 9 (Reuters) - Indonesian shares set an all-time high on Tuesday, helped by demand for coal miners, but the region turned generally cautious, worrying that any sustained U.S. dollar rebound may cap demand for Asian risk assets.

Thai stocks <.SETI> eased 0.2 percent after an early climb to a more-than-14-year high. The Philippine index <.PSI> fell 0.7 percent to a one-week low and Vietnam <.VNI> dropped 1.7 percent.

Singapore's main index <.FTSTI> and Malaysia <.KLSE> each gained around 0.4 percent to their highest level in around 34 months.

In Kuala Lumpur, buying interest shifted to financials, with top lender Malayan Banking Bhd rising over 2 percent, while palm oil firm IOI Corp Bhd fell 0.5 percent after hitting a two-year high on Monday.

Nomura International (Hong Kong) Limited said it was bullish on Malaysia.

Trader's Highlight

DJI-NEW YORK, Nov 8 (Reuters) - Wall Street retreated from a two-year high on Monday, weighed down by financial stocks and a stronger dollar.

The broad S&P 500 has risen five straight weeks, supported by the Federal Reserve's plan to buy $600 billion of Treasuries to lower interest rates and reinvigorate a sluggish economy.

With those gains, traders said most S&P sectors were susceptible to a decline. Financial stocks <.GSPF>, the top gainers in recent sessions, fell 0.8 percent following a 6.9 percent weekly advance.

The Dow Jones industrial average <.DJI> was down 37.24 points, or 0.33 percent, at 11,406.84. The Standard & Poor's 500 Index <.SPX> was down 2.60 points, or 0.21 percent, at 1,223.25. The Nasdaq Composite Index <.IXIC> was up 1.07 points, or 0.04 percent, at 2,580.05.

NYMEX-NEW YORK, Nov 8 (Reuters) - U.S. crude oil futures ended at a fresh two-year high on Monday, gaining for the sixth consecutive session, as the upside momentum that lifted oil prices more than 6 percent last week continued, analysts said.

Gains were limited, however, as the dollar rose against a basket of currencies. <.DXY>, they added.

On the New York Mercantile Exchange, crude for December delivery settled up 21cents, or 0.24 percent, at $87.06 a barrel, the highest since front-month crude closed at $88.95 on Oct. 8, 2008.

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

CBOT-SOYBEANS - November down 9 cents per bushel at $12.64-1/2per bushel; January down 9-1/4 at $12.74-3/4.

Pressured by firm dollar and long liquidation ahead of USDA's November crop reports on Tuesday. Market technically overbought and due a downward correction but continued strong demand from China underpins values.

CBOT-SOYOIL - December down 0.21 cent per lb at 52.01 cents per lb. Following soybeans lower. But market underpinned by soaring global vegoils markets including Dalian soyoil and Malaysian palm.

FCPO-KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 8 (Reuters) - Malaysian crude palm oil futures jumped more than 4 percent in early trade on Monday, driven by supply worries stoked by floods in some palm growing states in the country and rising soyoil prices in China.

January 2011 palm futures on the Bursa Malaysia Derivatives Exchange were up 2.6 percent at 3,273 ringgit ($1,060) a tonne, after having risen as high as 3,348 ringgit -- a level unseen since July 18, 2008.

Top analyst from Godrej International, Dorab Mistry, on Sunday said Malaysian crude palm oil futures may hit 3,300 ringgit per tonne in the next few weeks as weather concerns plague global oilseed output.

REGIONAL EQUITIES-BANGKOK, Nov 8 (Reuters) - Most Southeast Asian stock markets gained ground on Monday, buoyed by commodities shares on optimism about the outlook for oil prices and for global demand.

Strong buying interest bolstered the laggard Singapore stock market, pushing the benchmark Straits Times Index (STI) <.FTSTI> to a 34-month high before it closed nearly 2 percent higher.

Singapore shares have risen 13.9 percent this year, a far cry from over 40 percent gains by its smaller peers Indonesia <.JKSE>, Thailand <.SETI> and the Philippines <.PSI>.

Malaysia <.KLSE> rose 0.5 percent to its highest in 34 months while Vietnam <.VNI> inched down 0.03 percent, after climbing earlier to its highest in nearly three weeks.

Trader's Highlight

DJI-NEW YORK, Nov 5 (Reuters) - Wall Street navigated through three major landmines this week -- the elections, the U.S. Federal Reserve meeting and jobs report -- with barely a scratch. Now what?

With earnings season winding down and a light economic calendar next week, the market will be left to its own devices to sort out its direction.

A rise of more than 16 percent in the S&P 500 <.SPX> since the start of September had many investors expecting a pullback after the trio of big events. But it appears to have emboldened them instead.

The CBOE Volatility Index, a measure of market anxiety, has slipped below 19 and the late-week action suggests a market getting ready for more gains -- not a sell-off.

NYMEX-NEW YORK, Nov 5 (Reuters) - U.S. crude oil futures rose for a fifth day on Friday, posting the highest close in two years on a stronger-than-expected rise in U.S. jobs

On the New York Mercantile Exchange, crude turned in the best weekly performance in eight months, though the day's gains were limited as the dollar rallied.

On the New York Mercantile Exchange, crude for December delivery settled up 36cents, or 0.42 percent, at $86.85 a barrel, overtaking the year's highest close at $86.84 and posting the highest settlement since Oct. 8, 2008, when front-month crude ended at $88.95.

CBOT-CHICAGO, Nov 5 (Reuters) - Soybean futures on the Chicago Board of Trade rose for a third straight day on Friday, reaching a near 17-month high spot price, led by strength in soyoil as Asian vegoil markets rose, traders said.

CBOT-SOYBEANS - November up 4-3/4 cents at $12.69-1/2 per bushel; January up 5 at $12.79-3/4. Rose to a near 17-month high spot price overnight following soaring vegoils, with China's Dalian soyoil and palm oil limit up and crude oil higher despite an upturn in the dollar.

CBOT-SOYOIL - December up 0.61 cent at 51.86 cents per lb. Spot soyoil reached highest level since August 2008 on soaring global vegoils, with Dalian soyoil limit up and crude oil firm, despite an upturn in the dollar.

FCPO-KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 4 (Reuters) - Malaysian palm oil futures hit new 27-month highs on Thursday, tracking broad equity and commodity market gains after the Federal Reserve's decision to pump more money into the U.S. economy weakened the dollar.

The Federal Reserve committed to buy $600 billion in government bonds despite concerns the program might lead to high inflation.

The dollar index <.DXY>, a gauge of the greenback's performance against a basket of currencies, eased to just above its 2010 low set in October, sending investors to commodities as an inflation hedge and making dollar-priced products cheaper for holders of other currencies.

Another trader said palm oil investors were covering their positions before a three-day holiday in Malaysia on concerns that gains in crude oil and other commodities point to inflation.

Malaysia's benchmark Jan 2011 crude palm oil futures jumped as much as 3.3 percent to 3,210 ringgit ($1,042) -- the highest level since July 23, 2008. The overall traded volume almost doubled to 18,948 lots of 25 tonnes each.

REGIONAL EQUITIES-COLOMBO, Nov 5 (Reuters) - Most Southeast Asian stock markets rose on Friday, with Thailand outperforming, due to investors' hopes that a forthcoming $600 billion U.S. stimulus package will increase appetite for riskier assets and lure strong inflows.

Thai shares <.SETI> rose 5.7 percent on the week, their best weekly performance in 17months, and 0.9 percent on the day, scoring another 14-year high.

Singapore <.FTSTI> and Malaysia <.KLSE> were closed for a holiday on Friday, but they still rose 3.1 percent and 0.4 percent respectively on the week.

Trader's Highlight

DJI-NEW YORK, Nov 3 (Reuters) - U.S. stocks ended a volatile session modestly higher on Wednesday after the Federal Reserve detailed a plan to breathe new life into the struggling economy.

Both the Dow and Nasdaq closed at levels not seen since 2008 while the S&P ended at a six-month high. The gains were preceded by an erratic session in which equities zigzagged up and down as the Fed announced a plan to buy $600 billion in Treasuries. The size of the plan was greater than had been anticipated but less than many hoped.

The Dow Jones industrial average <.DJI> was up 26.41 points, or 0.24 percent, at 11,215.13. The Standard & Poor's 500 Index <.SPX> was up 4.39 points, or 0.37 percent, at 1,197.96. The Nasdaq Composite Index <.IXIC> was up 6.75 points, or 0.27 percent, at 2,540.27.

NYMEX-NEW YORK, Nov 3 (Reuters) - U.S. crude oil futures rose for
the third straight day on Wednesday, ending at a six-month high, as the Federal Reserve announced a fresh monetary stimulus aimed at bolstering the pace of economic recovery.

The Fed announcement caused the dollar to fall against the euro, helping crude futures hold on to gains in choppy late-session trading.

On the New York Mercantile Exchange, crude for December delivery settled up 79cents, or 0.94 percent, at $84.69 a barrel, the highest settlement since front-month crude closed at $86.19 on May 3.

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

CBOT-SOYBEANS - November up 3-3/4 cents at $12.27-1/2 per bushel; January up 3-1/2 at $12.37-1/2. Spillover support from gains in corn and from active export sales of U.S. soy, especially to China.

CBOT-SOYOIL - December up 0.27 cent at 49.90 cents per lb. Following soybeans and firm crude oil.

FCPO-KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 3 (Reuters) - Prices of palm oil futures made little headway on Wednesday as some traders said supply concerns were overdone even as strong monsoons hit certain estates in Malaysia.

A steadier U.S. dollar also kept palm oil from going past a 27-month high hit the previous day as investors were cautious on moving into commodities as a safeguard against inflation ahead of a U.S. Federal Reserve policy decision later in the day.

Malaysia's benchmark Jan 2011 crude palm oil futures ended 0.1 percent lower at 3,087 Malaysian ringgit ($1,001) per tonne after briefly revisiting the 3,106 ringgit level hit the day before.

REGIONAL EQUITIES-COLOMBO, Nov 3 (Reuters) - Most Southeast Asian stock markets rose on Wednesday even though many investors were adopting a "wait and see" approach ahead of a decision by the U.S. Federal Reserve on more quantitative easing measures later in the day.

The Philippines <.PSI> hit an all-time high with a 0.9 percent gain, Thailand <.SETI> jumped 0.9 percent to its highest level in over 14 years, and Singapore <.FTSTI> rose 0.6 percent to a 29-month high, while Malaysia <.KLSE> edged up 0.1 percent.

According to Thomson Reuters' StarMine, most Southeast Asian equity markets are trading at a high forward price-to-earnings ratios relative to the all-Asian 13.5, with Indonesia at 15.4, the Philippines at 14.4, then Malaysia and Singapore at 14.

In Singapore, commodity firms Noble Group and Olam International gained over 1.5 percent as investors turned bullish on the commodity sector, driven by expectations they will benefit from traditionally strong year-end demand.

Trader's Highlight

DJI-NEW YORK, Nov 2 (Reuters) - U.S. stocks rose on Tuesday on the expectation the midterm election and a Federal Reserve decision would create a more business-friendly environment, though many traders forecast a selloff in the days ahead.

The S&P 500 index has risen almost 14 percent since September on speculation of Republican congressional gains and new measures by the Federal Reserve to stimulate the economy.

The Dow Jones industrial average <.DJI> was up 64.10 points, or 0.58 percent, at 11,188.72. The Standard & Poor's 500 Index <.SPX> was up 9.19 points, or 0.78 percent, at 1,193.57. The Nasdaq Composite Index <.IXIC> was up 28.68 points, or 1.14 percent, at 2,533.52.

NYMEX-NEW YORK, Nov 2 (Reuters) - U.S. crude oil futures ended higher on Tuesday, hitting the highest level in six months, as the dollar fell ahead of an expected action by the Federal Reserve to inject more money into the flagging economy.

Qatar said oil prices in the $70-$90 range would be reasonable, echoing similar comments from Saudi Arabia on Monday, and that also helped push crude prices higher.

On the New York Mercantile Exchange, December crude settled up 95 cents, or 1.15 percent, at $83.90 a barrel, the highest close since May 3, when front-month crude finished at $86.19. December crude, which rose for a second day in a row, traded from $82.83 to $84.34.

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

CBOT-SOYBEANS - November down 1-1/2 cents at $12.23-3/4 per bushel; January down 1 at $12.34. Market pressured by technical selling and forecasts for better crop weather in South American soy regions. Prices underpinned by weak dollar and firm crude oil.

CBOT-SOYOIL - December down 0.12 cent at 49.63 cents per lb. Following soybeans lower.

FCPO-KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 2 (Reuters) - Malaysian palm oil futures eased from a 27-month high on Tuesday on some profit-taking although concerns over a strong monsoon season hitting yields lingered.

A weaker U.S. dollar against a basket of currencies limited losses in palm oil that is priced in the greenback, making the commodity cheaper. Higher U.S. crude oil also lent support for palm oil and other vegetable oil prices.

Malaysian palm oil prices are starting to pick up, gaining 16 percent so far this year compared with U.S. soyoil's 23 percent rise and China's soyoil 19 percent gain because of a weaker dollar and, now, weather concerns.

January 2011 crude palm oil futures on the Bursa Malaysia Derivatives Exchange rose as much as 1 percent to 3,106 Malaysian ringgit ($1,004) per tonne -- a level unseen since July 28, 2008.

But the contract gave up gains to settle 2 ringgit lower at 3,090 ringgit per tonne. Overall traded volume stood at 12,719 lots of 25 tonnes.

REGIONAL EQUITIES-COLOMBO, Nov 2 (Reuters) - The Philippine stock market hit a record high on Tuesday, helped by foreign buying, but most other Southeast Asian markets fell as cautious investors stayed on the sidelines ahead of a Fed decision on quantitative easing measures.

Net foreign inflows of $8.6 million helped take the Philippine index to a record close of 4,341.74, surpassing its previous high from Oct. 26.

However, other markets in the region ended mixed as investors were wary of the size and the impact of the QE measure, which will be decided when a Federal Reserve meeting ends on Wednesday.

Indonesia <.JKSE> fell 0.5 percent, Malaysia <.KLSE> edged down 0.2 percent, and Vietnam ended 1.1 percent weaker.

Bucking the trend, Singapore <.FTSTI> rose 0.4 percent and Thailand edged up 0.2 percent, hitting another 14-year high, despite a net outflow of foreign funds worth $25.2 million.

In Singapore, palm oil firm Wilmar International gained 2.2 percent, while second-biggest lender Oversea-Chinese Banking Corp rose 0.9 percent.

Breaking News - RTRS - MALAYSIA'S NEW REPLANTING SCHEME TO TARGET 365,000 HECTARES OF OIL PALMS OVER 2-3 YRS -MPOB CHAIRMAN

KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 29 (Reuters) - The Malaysian government's new replanting scheme will target 365,000 hectares of oil palms older than 25 years as the world's No.2 palm oil producer tries to lift flagging output, a top industry official said on Friday.

Industry regulator the Malaysian Palm Oil Board's (MPOB) new chairman, Shahrir Samad, said the scheme would take two to three years to complete and the government had pledged 297 million Malaysian ringgit ($95.56 million) under the 2011 budget.

The scheme is the latest inItiative to boost yields in Malaysia, which has fallen behind top producer Indonesia in terms of output. An earlier industry-funded scheme to replant 200,000 hectares in 2008 in a bid to boost slumping prices was almost completed this year.

Breaking News - RTRS - INTERVIEW-India urged to cut import duty on green palm oil

KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 1 (Reuters) - A vegetable oils industry body has asked the Indian government to cut its tax on eco-friendly imports of the commodity by one to two percent in a bid to boost consumption, a top trader said on Monday.

India, the world's largest vegetable oil buyer, appears to be heeding a call for large consumers to become more environmentally friendly and buy palm oil from estates committed to protecting forests in Southeast Asia.

Dorab Mistry, head of vegetable oils trading arm of Godrej International and a leading analyst, said the firm's parent spearheaded the Hindustan Unilever coalition of refiners and traders that put the proposal to the government.

Trader's Highlight

DJI-NEW YORK, Nov 1 (Reuters) - Investors were reluctant to make big bets ahead of two events that could dictate the stock market's direction for the rest of the year and beyond, leaving shares little changed on Monday.

U.S. factory activity in October expanded and construction spending rose unexpectedly in September, reports showed. Other data showed manufacturing in China expanded at the fastest pace in six months in October.

The Dow Jones industrial average <.DJI> was up 6.13 points, or 0.06 percent, at 11,124.62. The Standard & Poor's 500 Index <.SPX> was up 1.12 points, or 0.09 percent, at 1,184.38. The Nasdaq Composite Index <.IXIC> was down 2.57 points, or 0.10 percent, at 2,504.84.

NYMEX-NEW YORK, Nov 1 (Reuters) - U.S. crude oil futures ended nearly 2 percent higher on Monday, boosted by comments from the Saudi Arabian oil minister that an oil price between $70 and $90 a barrel was comfortable for consumers.

Expectations that the U.S. Federal Reserve will announce a second round of quantitative easing to help boost the U.S. economy, upbeat manufacturing data from China and the United States, and early weakness in the U.S. dollar encouraged fund buying, analysts said.

On the New York Mercantile Exchange, crude for December delivery settled up $1.52, or 1.87 percent, at $82.95 a barrel, trading from $81.32 to $83.86.

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

CBOT-SOYBEANS - November down 3/4 cent at $12.25-1/4 per bushel; January down 1 at $12.35. Scattered rainfall and more seasonal temperatures help ease stress for soybeans in northern Brazil and rain may encourage additional planting in the area. Periodic rainfall will maintain favorable conditions for early planted corn and soybeans in Argentina and the next chance of rain appears to be for this coming weekend.

CBOT-SOYOIL - December up 0.45 cent at 49.75 cents per lb. Support from gains in crude oil.

FCPO-KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 1 (Reuters) - Malaysian palm oil futures hit a new 27-month high on Monday on concern heavy rains may affect palm oil yields and a weak dollar trend lent support.

The dollar has come under pressure against most major currencies as the market anticipates the U.S. Federal Reserve will step up money printing after its policy meeting on Tuesday and Wednesday.

Benchmark Malaysian crude palm oil futures rose as much as 1.2 percent to 3,098 Malaysian ringgit ($1,002) per tonne -- a level unseen since July 28. 2008 and a touch below a key resistance level.

The contract ended at 3,092 ringgit. Overall traded volume stood at 14,307 lots of 25 tonnes each, down from the usual 10,000 lots.

REGIONAL EQUITIES-COLOMBO, Nov 1 (Reuters) - Southeast Asian stock markets rose on Monday on hopes of good demand for the region's exports as data from China and India showed strong production growth, ahead of possible quantitative easing measures in the United States.

Indonesia <.JKSE>, the region's best bourse with a gain of around 44 percent this year, rose 0.3 percent after an early drop, Singapore <.FTSTI> jumped 1.6 percent, Thailand <.SETI> closed 1.9 percent firmer and Malaysia <.KLSE> gained 0.3 percent.

Vietnam <.VNI> bucked the trend with a 0.4 percent fall, while the Philippines <.PSI> was closed for a holiday.

In Singapore, second-biggest lender Oversea-Chinese Banking Corp posted a 27 percent rise in quarterly profit, beating expectations, and its shares rose 2.3 percent.

Despite a net foreign outflow of $58.4 million on Monday, banking shares helped lift the Indonesian index, with a rise of over 13 percent in Bank Mega and Bank Thabungan PN .