Breaking News-RTRS-China Jan soy imports seen high at 4.5 mln T-CNGOIC

BEIJING, Jan 15 (Reuters) - China's soy imports in January are likely to stay strong at about 4.5 million tonnes after monthly imports hit a record in December at 4.78 million tonnes, according to an official report.
Falling prices on the Chicago Board of Trade <0#S:> soy could prompt Chinese buyers to increase purchases from South America in coming weeks after they booked more than 20 million tonnes from the United States, said the China National Grain and Oils Information Centre (CNGOIC).

Trader's Highlight

DJI-NEW YORK, Jan 15 (Reuters) - U.S. stocks slid from 15-month highs on Friday after JPMorgan Chase & Co reported deep fourth-quarter loan losses that raised concerns about earnings for the banking industry.

Also weighing on stocks was consumers' caution about the economy as reflected in The Reuters/University of Michigan Surveys of Consumers. It showed preliminary sentiment was weaker than expected in early January due to worries over income and high unemployment.

NYMEX-NEW YORK, Jan 15 (Reuters) - U.S. crude oil futures ended lower for the fifth day in a row on Friday as milder Northeast temperatures signaled weaker heating oil demand. A stronger dollar added pressure, prompting traders to pare positions in oil and other commodities.

On the New York Mercantile Exchange, February crude , which expires on Wednesday, settled down $1.39, or 1.75 percent, at $78 a barrel, the lowest close since Dec. 23's $76.67. For the week, it fell $4.75, or 5.7 percent, biggest
weekly loss since week to Dec. 11's fall of $5.60, or 7.4 percent. It traded from $79.31 down to $77.70, lowest since Dec. 14's $76.19 intraday low.

CBOT-CHICAGO, Jan 15 (Reuters) - Chicago Board of Trade grains and soy complex close on Friday.

CBOT-SOYBEANS - March down 10 cents at $9.74 per bushel.Dragged down by good crop weather in South America's soy areas, a firm dollar and weak crude oil. Declines limited by short-covering after the steep slide in prices this week.

CBOT-SOYOIL - March down 1.00 cent at 37.53 cents per lb. Drop in crude oil lends pressure.

FCPO-JAKARTA, Jan 15 (Reuters) - Malaysian crude palm oil futures suffered their worst week in nearly four months, closing Friday's session down 5.3 percent from a week ago, dragged by weaker crude oil and rival soy prices, traders said.

On the day, the benchmark March contract on the Bursa Malaysia Derivatives Exchange settled down 43 ringgit, or 1.7 percent, at 2,487 ringgit ($745), its weakest close since Dec. 3.

REGIONAL EQUITIES0-BANGKOK, Jan 15 (Reuters) - Singapore's benchmark index ended flat on Friday and Thai stocks retreated after two days of gains because of losses in banking and energy shares. The Straits Times Index <.FTSTI> closed 0.04 percent lower, with Ezra Holdings sliding 4.6 percent on profit-taking, even though the marine energy services firm reported a 93 percent rise in quarterly net profit on Thursday.

Malaysia <.KLSE> was up 0.3 percent, with gaming group Genting up 1.2 percent and Public Bank 1.04 percent higher. But shares in Malaysian rubber glove makers ran into profit-taking, with Supermax down 7.8 percent, Adventa down 6.6 percent and Kossan Rubber dropping 1.8 percent.

CBOT Soyoil Weekly: Bulls failed to defend

Bulls failed to defend following underlying support at USc38.06 violated. Next support is looking at Usc36.55. to the upside, resistance is stood at Usc40.00.

NYMEX Crude Weekly: Consolidation phase likely to continue

Consolidation phase looks likely to continue after prices failed to stay firm above USD80 levels. Hence, upside resistance is pegged at USD83.95 and downside support is adjusted to USD72.00 to USD68.50.

FCPO Weekly: Sideways to lower

Market extended its losing streak for straight two weeks had dampened further the immediate technical landscape. Market looks may move sideways to lower in near term following prices continue to lose ground. As for now, we are looking for the immediate upside resistance at 2650-2670. To the downside, immediate support is lies at 2428-2419 (gap left over on 29/11/2009)followed by 2305-2285 (gap left over on 22/11/2009).

DJI Weekly: More strength is needed

Market tested the immediate upside resistance at 10,500 levels but not at closing. More strength is still needed in order for a more sustainable rally in near term. Thus, we maintain the upside resistance at 10,800. To the downside, support is remains at 10,000.

FKLI Weekly: Bulls march higher

Bulls recharged energy to march higher and stayed at 1300 levels at close. Thus, we maintain positive view towards near term market with immediate upside resistance is looking at at 1310 followed by 1314-1348 (gap left over on 29/2/2008). To the downside, support is pegged at 1285-1275 followed by 1265-1250.