Trader's Highlight

DJI-NEW YORK, Feb 25 (Reuters) - U.S. stocks rose on Friday, bouncing back from a three-day sell-off as oil prices stabilized, but unease over the Libyan rebellion could be enough to keep buying in check.

The S&P 500 lost 1.7 percent for the week, breaking a three-week streak of gains. Friday's bounce followed a late recovery Thursday that showed buyers were ready to support shares after a bout of selling.

Analysts have been calling for a correction in stocks, with the S&P 500 up 25.8 percent since the start of September. Much weaker-than-average volume on Friday cast doubt on stocks' ability to move higher.

The Dow Jones industrial average <.DJI> gained 61.95 points, or 0.51 percent, to end at 12,130.45. The Standard & Poor's 500 Index <.SPX> advanced 13.78 points, or 1.06 percent, to finish at 1,319.88. The Nasdaq Composite Index <.IXIC> rose 43.15 points, or 1.58 percent, to close at 2,781.05.

NYMEX-NEW YORK, Feb 25 (Reuters) - U.S. crude oil futures rose on Friday, posting their highest weekly settlement since September 2008, as supply worries arising from the Libyan unrest persisted.

In volatile trading, prices closed well below Thursday's 2-1/2 year highs, as top oil Saudi Arabia raised its production to calm market fears due to outages in Libyan output.

Short-covering ahead of the weekend developed on concerns that tensions would spread to other oil-producers and after the United States announced it was imposing sanctions against Libya for Muammar Gaddafi's treatment of his opponents.

On the New York Mercantile Exchange, crude for April delivery settled at $97.88 a barrel, up 60 cents, or 0.62 percent, trading from $96.17 to $99.20. It was the highest settlement since Sept. 26, 2008's close at $106.89. For the week, the contract rose $11.68, gaining 13.5 percent.

CBOT-CHICAGO, Feb 25 (Reuters) - Chicago Board of Trade grain and soy complex closing trends on Friday.

CBOT-SOYBEANS - May up 45-3/4 cents at $13.75 a bushel. Rallied from steep declines this week, buoyed by technical buying and forecasts for continued tight U.S. soy stocks. Market briefly rose the 70-cent daily limit before easing.

CBOT-SOYOIL - May up 2.30 cents at 57.58 cents per lb. Soared after USDA projected 2011/12 soyoil ending stocks at 2.073 billion lbs, down from 2.573 billion in 2010/11. Spillover strength from soybeans added support. Market briefly traded up the 2.5-cent limit before setting back.

FCPO-KUALA LUMPUR, Feb 25 (Reuters) - Malaysian palm oil futures rose as much as 2.5 percent on Friday after sharp sell-off the previous day as investors snapped up bargains although concerns lingered over Middle East unrest slowing economic growth.

Palm oil hit its lowest since Nov. 29 on Thursday with traded volumes hitting a record high of 48,704 lots of 25 tonnes each on selling pressure from refiners and funds cutting positions. [ID:nL3E7DO0WM]

The benchmark May crude palm oil futures climbed as much as 86 ringgit to 3,541 ringgit($1,155)before settling at 3,515 ringgit. Traded volume at the time stood at 29,810 lots of 25 tonnes each from the usual 15,000 lots.

REGIONAL EQUITIES-COLOMBO, Feb 25 (Reuters) - Southeast Asian stock markets rallied on Friday but volume was thin and worries about rising oil prices, which could hurt economic growth, meant trading would continue volatile next week, analysts said.

Brent oil traded above $112 a barrel as the revolt in Libya sparked fears of supply shortages, despite assurances by top oil exporter Saudi Arabia that it would step in to fill any shortfall.

Singapore <.FTSTI> gained 1.8 percent and the Philippines <.PSE> edged up 0.2 percent as both markets recovered from a near-six-month low.

Trader's Highlight

DJI-NEW YORK, Feb 24 (Reuters) - Bruised but not bowed, bulls staged a rebound on Thursday and helped stocks stabilize in a volatile session suggesting investors aren't ready to give up on the market's rally.

The S&P 500 recovered off early lows triggered by deepening concerns that higher oil could stifle economic activity. Stocks hit their worst levels when Brent crude neared $120 a barrel on Libya's turmoil.

The Dow Jones industrial average <.DJI> fell 37.28 points, or 0.31 percent, to end at 12,068.50. The Standard & Poor's 500 Index <.SPX> slipped 1.30 points, or 0.10 percent, to finish at 1,306.10. But the Nasdaq Composite Index <.IXIC> rose 14.91 points, or 0.55 percent, to close at 2,737.90.

NYMEX-NEW YORK, Feb 24 (Reuters) - U.S. crude oil futures dropped more than 2 percent in a late sell-off on Thursday on rumors that Libyan strongman Muammar Gaddafi had been shot, wiping out gains in a rally to near 2-1/2-year highs.

Earlier, news that Saudi Arabia was in talks with European companies affected by the disruption of Libyan supplies and was willing and able to plug any gap appeared to have capped the day's highs, traders said.

On the New York Mercantile Exchange, crude for April delivery settled at $97.28 a barrel, down 82 cents, or 0.84 percent, after rallying to $103.41, the highest since Sept. 29, 2008's intraday peak of $106.91. Post-settlement, it fell further to $95.62, down $2.48, or 2.52 percent.

CBOT-CHICAGO, Feb 24 (Reuters) - Chicago Board of Trade grain and soy complex closing trends on Thursday.

CBOT-SOYBEANS - May down 2-1/4 cents at $13.29-1/4 per bushel. Lower on long liquidation amid fears that ongoing turmoil in the Middle East and North Africa could crimp long-term demand for grains. Losses pared by late short-covering.

CBOT-SOYOIL - May down 0.42 cent at 55.28 cents per lb. Following soybeans lower.

FCPO-KUALA LUMPUR, Feb 24 (Reuters) - Palm oil ended off three-month lows on Thursday with other vegetable oil markets limiting losses on surging crude oil although concerns lingered over Libyan unrest spreading and slowing economic growth.

Palm oil hit its lowest since Nov. 29 with much of the selling pressure coming from refiners and funds cutting positions.

Traders said palm oil's high premium to soyoil narrowed to about $10 from $70, which may attract demand from price sensitive India and China -- the world's top two buyers of the vegetable oil.

The benchmark May crude palm oil contract on the Bursa Malaysia Derivatives Exchange dived 5.1 percent to 3,336 ringgit ($1,095) before settling much higher at 3,457 ringgit per tonne. Traded volumes surged to 48,704 lots of 25 tonnes each, more than triple of the usual 15,000 lots seen at the close.

REGIONAL EQUITIES-BANGKOK, Feb 24 (Reuters) - Southeast Asian stock markets fell on Thursday, fretting over the potential impact of the spike in global energy costs on economic growth, with airlines coming under particular pressure but palm oil and bank stocks also hit.

Markets gave up early gains as Brent oil surged more than 7.5 percent to its highest since August 2008.

Other stock markets finished around their day's lows. Singapore's stock index <.FTSTI> lost nearly 1 percent, at one point hitting the lowest in six months, and Malaysia <.KLSE> fell 1.4 percent to the lowest in almost three months. Indonesia <.JKSE> fell 1 percent.

Airline companies pulled back further amid concerns over the rise in fuel costs, led by a 5 percent drop in Malaysia's AirAsia and a 4.6 percent fall in the Philippines' Cebu Air .

In an effort to attract more funds, stock exchanges in Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore and Thailand are keen to set up trading links between their markets to help liquidity.

Finance Minister Korn Chatikavanij said on Wednesday that liquidity was the key to market success for Thailand and similar small equity markets.

Breaking News-RTRS - Indonesia keeps March palm oil, cocoa export tax unchanged

JAKARTA, Feb 23 (Reuters) - Indonesia will keep its palm oil and cocoa bean export tax for March unchanged from February at 25 percent and 10 percent respectively, a trade ministry official said on Wednesday, confirming an earlier Reuters report.
The base export price for crude palm oil (CPO), which is used to calculate the export tax in the world's largest producer of the oil, will be set at $1,222 a tonne, up from $1,194 a tonne in February, the official said.

Trader's Highlight

DJI-NEW YORK, Feb 23 (Reuters) - U.S. stocks dropped for a second straight session on Wednesday as Libya's violence sent oil prices up briefly to $100 a barrel and tech shares sank, adding credence to calls for a market correction.

Oil futures jumped to their highest since October 2008 amid worries about supply disruptions in Libya, a top oil producer. Late in the day, oil eased off the day's highs, helping stocks trim losses.

The day's drop follows a 2.1 percent decline in the S&P 500 on Wednesday, and the second straight session of above-average trading volume. However, since a modest correction is expected, investors at this point are taking the declines in stride.

The Dow Jones industrial average <.DJI> fell 107.01 points, or 0.88 percent, at 12,105.78. The Standard & Poor's 500 Index <.SPX> lost 8.04 points, or 0.61 percent, to 1,307.40. The Nasdaq Composite Index <.IXIC> declined 33.43 points, or 1.21 percent, to 2,722.99.

NYMEX-NEW YORK, Feb 23 (Reuters) - U.S. crude oil futures rose for a second day on Wednesday, touching $100 a barrel briefly and ending at the highest level since October 2008, as escalating violence in Libya disrupted its oil production.

Fears persisted that Libya's unrest could spread to other oil producers in the Middle East and North Africa, further raising oil's geopolitical risk premium, traders said.

The International Energy Agency will rely first of all on OPEC to meet any loss of Libyan oil and would save its emergency stockpiles as a last resort, its executive director said.

On the New York Mercantile Exchange, crude for April delivery , the new front-month contract, settled at $98.10 a barrel, up $2.68, or 2.81 percent, the highest close since Oct. 1, 2008, when prices ended at $98.53. It traded from $95.14 to $100, the highest intraday price since Oct. 2, 2008, when prices hit $100.37.

CBOT-CHICAGO, Feb 23 (Reuters) - Chicago Board of Trade grain and soy complex closing trends on Wednesday.

CBOT-SOYBEANS - March up 22 cents at $13.20 per bushel. Rallied on technical buying, including short-covering, after Tuesday's sell-off left the market oversold.

CBOT-SOYOIL - March up 1.03 cents at 55.02 cents per lb. Spillover support from soybeans and crude oil.

FCPO-KUALA LUMPUR, Feb 23 (Reuters) - Vegetable oil markets tumbled on Wednesday as spreading Libyan unrest spurred investors to flee agriculture assets to the safe haven plays, although traders said the sell-off was a knee-jerk reaction and prices will recover.

Protests have spread to oil-producing Libya and should lift crude oil and other commodity markets but investors are increasingly concerned economic growth in the Middle East will stall and complicate the global recovery.

In the morning session, Malaysian palm oil dived as much as 4.5 percent to a 2-month low before crawling back gains to close at 3,514 ringgit ($1,154.97) per tonne.

China's Dalian soyoil lost 3.7 percent. U.S. soyoil for March rose 0.8percent after tumbling the previous day when the sell-off in agriculture markets started.

REGIONAL EQUITIES-BANGKOK, Feb 23 (Reuters) - Some Southeast Asian stock markets regained lost ground on Wednesday as investors bought oil-related shares after a jump in oil prices, although Singapore slumped further in heavy turnover.

Despite the better trend in places, the unrest in Libya continued to hang over stock markets, since it could further raise global oil prices and slow the recovery in the world economy.

Export-dependent emerging Southeast Asian economies, already plagued by inflationary pressures, would be vulnerable to slower global growth and the uncertainty is keeping some investors on the sidelines, dealers said.

Indonesia's main share index <.JKSE> rose 0.7 percent but Malaysia <.KLSE> ended down 0.2 percent after briefly climbing into positive territory. Both posted relatively weak volume at 0.9 times their 30 day average.

Turnover in the Thai and Singapore markets rose to 1.2 times and 2.5 times their 30-day average respectively. Airline companies extended losses, with Southeast Asia's biggest airline, Singapore Airlines , easing 0.9 percent, Malaysia's AirAsia sliding 2.4 percent and Philippine Cebu Air dropping 5.4 percent.

Trader's Highlight

DJI-NEW YORK, Feb 22 (Reuters) - Wall Street suffered its worst day since August on Tuesday as investors dumped stocks on turmoil in oil exporter Libya, in what could be the start of a long-anticipated pullback after a lengthy rally.

Rising volatility and heavy volume added heft to the possibility of a larger pullback. With 9.76 billion shares traded on the New York Stock Exchange, the American Stock Exchange and Nasdaq, it was the highest volume session for the month and the second-highest for the year.

The CBOE Volatility Index <.VIX>, Wall Street's so-called fear gauge, surged 26.6 percent to end at 20.80, its highest one-day jump since May 20, 2010.

The Dow Jones industrial average <.DJI> lost 178.46 points, or 1.44 percent, to end at 12,212.79. The Standard & Poor's 500 Index <.SPX> fell 27.57 points, or 2.05 percent, to 1,315.44. The Nasdaq Composite Index <.IXIC> dropped 77.53 points, or 2.74 percent, to 2,756.42.

NYMEX-NEW YORK, Feb 22 (Reuters) - U.S. crude oil futures jumped to their highest level in almost 2-1/2 years on Tuesday as the citizen revolt against long-time Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi escalated.

Fighting in Libya, the latest flashpoint in the spreading turmoil in the Middle East and North Africa, added to investor worries that oil supplies from those regions may be disrupted.

Libya's oil terminals were blocked while Italy, heavily reliant on energy imports, said it was ready to tap emergency gas stocks if Libyan supplies are interrupted.

On the New York Mercantile Exchange, crude for March delivery was up $6.61, or 7.67 percent, at $92.81 a barrel, after surging to a session high of $94.49, the highest since prices hit $96.03 on Oct. 3, 2008. It posted its early low at $86.25.

CBOT-CHICAGO, Feb 22 (Reuters) - Chicago Board of Trade grain and soy complex closing trends on Tuesday.

CBOT-SOYBEANS - March down 70 cents at $12.98 per bushel.Investors liquidate amid political turmoil in Libya, with prices falling to lowest since Dec. 20, 2010. Expectations for big acreage forecasts also weigh.

CBOT-SOYOIL - March down 2.50 cents at 53.99 cents per lb.Pressure from falling soybeans overwhelms support from soaring crude oil.

FCPO-KUALA LUMPUR, Feb 22 (Reuters) - Malaysian palm oil rose 0.4 percent on Tuesday with traders taking positions on Libyan unrest that boosted most commodity markets, but the upside was capped by concerns of slower demand.

Palm oil futures treaded water after hitting a four-week low on Monday as traders looked for signs that the recent rally in prices may dampen demand.

But if unrest continues in Libya, which is a key oil producer, U.S. crude could rally further, pulling along prices of palm oil used as a feedstock in biofuels that competes with petroleum diesel.

The benchmark May 2011 palm oil futures on the Bursa Malaysia Derivatives Exchange rose 13 ringgit to 3,669 ringgit ($1,209) in choppy trade. Overall trade almost doubled to 29,573 lots at 25 tonnes each from the usual 15,000 lots.

REGIONAL EQUITIES-BANGKOK, Feb 22 (Reuters) - Southeast Asian stock markets tumbled on Tuesday as unrest in Libya stoked worries about rising global oil prices and the potential hit to sectors such as airlines.

U.S. crude futures surged to a 2-1/2-year high, hurting confidence among emerging market investors.

Singapore's Straits Times Index <.FTSTI> suffered its biggest loss in three months, falling 1.7 percent, while the Philippine index <.PSI> dropped 1.4 percent and Vietnam <.VNI> hit its lowest level in more than two months.

Singapore-based Najeeb Jarhom, head of research at AmFraser Securities, said the Straits Times Index could now test 2,900 after a fast drop towards the psychological level of 3,000. It closed at 3,019.12 on Tuesday. Malaysia, Thaland and Indonesia reported a drop in turnover to around 0.8 times the 30-day average.

Trader's Highlight

NYMEX-SINGAPORE, Feb 21 (Reuters) - U.S. crude futures rose more than $1/bbl on Monday as the threat of supply disruptions from OPEC member Libya grew as unrest in the country intensified, with protesters calling for the departure of veteran ruler Muammar Gaddafi.

The leader of the Al-Zuwayya tribe in eastern-Libya threatened on Sunday to cut oil exports to Western countries within 24-hours unless authorities stopped the "oppression of protesters".

On the New York Mercantile Exchange, March crude rose to $87.37, up $1.17 by 2347 GMT, after settling at $86.20 in the previous session.

FCPO-KUALA LUMPUR, Feb 21 (Reuters) - Malaysian palm oil futures fell to a one-month low on Monday, on concerns demand from China may slow after the government moved to drain cash from the economy and rein in inflation.

Palm oil followed last Friday's declines in the U.S. soy complex when China raised its required reserves for big banks to record levels.

Weaker Malaysian exports worsened the declines but shipments to China doubled in Feb. 1-25, signalling some restocking demand after Lunar New Year holidays earlier this month.

The benchmark May crude palm oil contract fell 0.7 percent to 3,656 ringgit ($1,205.010) per tonne after touching its lowest level since January 18 at 3,621 ringgit. Overall traded volume more than tripled to 25,633 lots of 25 tonnes each from the usual 15,000 lots.

REGIONAL EQUITIES-BANGKOK, Feb 21 (Reuters) - Most Southeast Asian stock markets fell on Monday as spreading tension in Libya and other oil-producing countries put a lid on risk appetite, but investors selectively bought banks due to optimism over loan growth.

Market turnover remained weak, with volume in Malaysia and Thailand falling to around 0.8 times the 30-day average.

Singapore's main index <.FTSTI> ended down 0.5 percent in a range-bound session, similar to others in the region. Indonesia <.JKSE> inched down 0.1 percent and the Philippines <.PSI> 0.4 percent.

Thai stocks <.SETI> were flat, but Malaysia <.KLSE> rose 0.6 percent, led by a 3.1 percent gain in the biggest lender by assets, Malayan Banking , after stong quarterly net profit.

Generally, earnings plays were prominent in the region. Singapore's Oversea-Chinese Banking Corp fell almost 1 percent to S$9.32, with broker UOB Kay Hian lowering its target price to S$11.80 from S$11.96 after the bank missed market forecasts for its quarterly profit.

Trader's Highlight

DJI-NEW YORK, Feb 18 (Reuters) - Late arrivals to the speediest rally in stocks since the Great Depression pushed stocks higher for a third week on Friday, despite growing signals of an overheating market.

More than $8 billion flowed into U.S. equity funds for the week ended Feb. 16, according to Thomson Reuters Lipper data. Analysts said investors appear reluctant to sell despite slack volume and a narrowing spread between winners and losers.

On Friday the Dow Jones industrial average <.DJI> gained 73.11 points, or 0.59 percent, to 12,391.25. The Standard & Poor's 500 Index <.SPX> added 2.58 points, or 0.19 percent, to 1,343.01. The Nasdaq Composite Index <.IXIC> edged up 2.37 points, or 0.08 percent, to 2,833.95.

NYMEX-NEW YORK, Feb 18 (Reuters) - U.S. crude oil futures ended lower in volatile trading on Friday in a bout of profit-taking and position-squaring ahead of a three-day holiday weekend.

Late liquidations ahead of NYMEX front-month March crude's expiration on Tuesday snuffed out gains spurred by pre-weekend short-covering.

But persistent worries that the unrest in Middle East and North Africa could disrupt oil supplies from those regions kept investors cautious and helped limit the day's losses.

On the New York Mercantile Exchange, crude for March delivery settled at $86.20 a barrel, down 16 cents, or 0.19 percent, after trading from $85.65 to $87.8.

CBOT-CHICAGO, Feb 18 (Reuters) - Chicago Board of Trade grain and soy complex futures close on Friday.

CBOT-SOYBEANS - March down 36-1/2 cents at $13.68 per bushel. Options-related selling and pressured by China's move to raise bank reserve requirements and advance of South American soy harvest leading to shifts of business from the U.S. to South America.

CBOT-SOYOIL - March down 1.76 cents at 56.49 cents per lb. Following soybeans and on talk China bought three cargoes of soyoil from Argentina.

FCPO-JAKARTA, Feb 18 (Reuters) - Malaysian palm oil futures fell on Friday, reversing earlier gains as they took direction largely from other oil markets and possible food import tax changes in China.

The benchmark May 2011 crude palm oil contract on Bursa Malaysia Derivatives fell 1 percent to 3,683 Malaysian ringgit ($1,209) a tonne after touching a low at 3,660 ringgit. Overall, traded volume stood at 17,870 lots of 25 tonnes each, compared with a total of 20,321 lots on Thursday.

On Feb. 10, palm oil prices touched 3,967 ringgit, a peak not seen since March 2008, on concerns that seasonally heavy rains had stalled harvesting in top producers Indonesia and Malaysia.

Prices this week have fallen around 7 percent in volatile trading, on worries that prices had overrun the bullish fundamentals and as some investors closed their positions. The benchmark notched its biggest weekly loss since August 2010.

REGIONAL EQUITIES-COLOMBO, Feb 18 (Reuters) - Most Southeast Asian stock markets gained on Friday led by Indonesia with net foreign inflows as investors bought beaten-down shares as they shrugged off worry about inflation.

Most of the stock markets in the region gained this week, erasing losses since the beginning of the year. Analysts said foreign inflows had improved in the region this week as investors were starting to find good value again in Southeast Asia.

Indonesia <.JKSE> rose 2 percent to a 3-week high led by banks, extending a gain for the week to 3.2 percent as investors bought battered shares amid hope of low inflation. Singapore saw a higher trading with the day's volume 1.5 percent of its 30-day daily average, while Indonesia's volume was 1.2 percent higher than its 30-day average.

Trader's Highlight

DJI-NEW YORK, Feb 17 (Reuters) - U.S. investors piled on a dizzying two-year advance in stocks on Thursday, using a brief slip on negative economic news as an opportunity to buy into market leaders.

The technology sector showed strength, with Nvidia Corp up 9.8 percent to $25.68 a day after posting a bullish revenue forecast on accelerating sales of its processors.

The Dow Jones industrial average <.DJI> gained 29.97 points, or 0.24 percent, to 12,318.14. The Standard & Poor's 500 Index <.SPX> rose 4.11 points, or 0.31 percent, to 1,340.43. The Nasdaq Composite Index <.IXIC> added 6.02 points, or 0.21 percent, to 2,831.58.

NYMEX-NEW YORK, Feb 17 (Reuters) - U.S. crude oil futures rose
for a second day on Thursday as fears grew that escalating citizen protests could engulf oil producers in the Middle East and cause supply disruptions.

Unrest spread across the Middle East and North Africa as Bahrain's military cracked down on anti-government protestors and clashes were reported in Libya and Yemen.

On the New York Mercantile Exchange, crude for March delivery settled up $1.37, or 1.61 percent, at $86.36 a barrel, after trading from $84.38 to $86.50.

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

CBOT-SOYBEANS - March up 38-1/2 cents at $14.04-1/2 per bushel. Snaps five-day losing streak on China import tax news, technical short covering. Prices rally back above 50-day moving average.

CBOT-SOYOIL - March up 1.64 cents at 58.25 cents per lb. Following soybeans. Firm crude oil also supports soyoil prices.

FCPO-JAKARTA, Feb 17 (Reuters) - Malaysian palm oil futures dropped to a fresh three-week low Thursday as traders grew concerned that a possible cut in taxes for a range of imported goods by China may not benefit the vegetable oil.

The benchmark May 2011 crude palm oil contract on Bursa Malaysia Derivatives fell 0.5 percent to 3,725 Malaysian ringgit ($1,223) a tonne after going as low as 3,648 ringgit -- a level unseen since Jan. 26.

Malaysian and Singaporean traders dealing with China say Beijing may reduce import duties for soybean oil to 5 percent from 9 percent and cut soybean import taxes to 1 percent from 3 percent while keeping palm oil duties at 9 percent.

Cutting soy import duties will set the stage for more orders of the oilseed and limit palm oil shipments to the world's largest food shopper.

REGIONAL EQUITIES-BANGKOK, Feb 17 (Reuters) - Most Southeast Asian stock markets gained on Thursday as high global oil prices lifted energy-related stocks, but concerns over tighter monetary policy squeezed Singapore's banks.

Several beaten-down markets, including Thailand and Indonesia, saw a return of foreign funds after recent sell-offs, sending Thai SET index <.SETI> to its highest in almost four weeks and Indonesia <.JKSE> to near a one-week high.

A shift in global asset allocation has funneled money in recent weeks to developed equities markets, drawn by relatively attractive valuations. But dealers said investors were starting to find good value again in Southeast Asia.

Turnover of Singapore was relatively active of 1.2 times its 30-day average. Singapore shares pulled back amid concerns about rising interest rates hurting bank stocks.

Singapore earlier on Thursday revised downward its GDP growth for 2010 and warned that inflation will be higher than previously forecast, raising expectations of further monetary policy tightening.

Trader's Highlight

DJI-NEW YORK, Feb 16 (Reuters) - The S&P 500 rose on Wednesday to twice its value from just two years ago, a bounce whose vigor has not been seen since the Great Depression.

Stocks were boosted by Dell earnings and deal announcements fueling hope for more gains, but light volume makes the recent move more tenuous. The market overcame concerns about tensions between Israel and Iran, and indexes slowly climbed back to close near the session's high.

The Dow Jones industrial average <.DJI> gained 61.53 points, or 0.50 percent, to 12,288.17. The Standard & Poor's 500 Index <.SPX> rose 8.31 points, or 0.63 percent, to 1,336.32. The Nasdaq Composite Index <.IXIC> added 21.21 points, or 0.76 percent, to 2,825.56.

NYMEX-NEW YORK, Feb 16 (Reuters) - U.S. crude futures settled higher on Wednesday as fresh tensions between Israel and Iran added to concerns about Middle East unrest that already had markets on edge.

Trading was volatile after Israel's foreign minister said Iran planned to send two Iranian warships through the Suez Canal en route to Syria, rattling markets already eyeing Egyptian-style protests spreading to Libya and other countries in North Africa and the Middle East.

On the New York Mercantile Exchange, March crude rose 67 cents, or 0.79 percent, to settle at $84.99 a barrel, having traded from $84.12 to $85.95.

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

CBOT-SOYBEANS - March down 2 cents at $13.66 per bushel. Pressured by fund long-liquidation but soy closed above
the day's lows on late short-covering and bargain buying.

CBOT-SOYOIL - March up 0.07 cent at 56.61 cents per lb. Support from gains in crude oil.

FCPO-JAKARTA, Feb 16 (Reuters) - Malaysian palm oil futures fell more than 3 percent on Wednesday, tracking many commodity prices lower, as traders said many opted to book profits as the vegetable oil had overrun its positive fundamentals in recent weeks.

Investors, also wary of funds liquidating positions in other commodity markets, maintained the bullish near-term outlook for palm oil, with falling output and rising demand seen supporting prices in the coming weeks.

The benchmark May 2011 crude palm oil contract on Bursa Malaysia Derivatives fell 3.6 percent to 3,745 Malaysian ringgit ($1,226) a tonne after going as low as 3,741 ringgit -- a level unseen since Jan. 31. Overall traded volume stood at 14,551 lots of 25 tonnes each, compared with a total of 11,265 lots on Monday.

REGIONAL EQUITIES-BANGKOK, Feb 16 (Reuters) - Most Southeast Asian stock markets rose in choppy sessions on Wednesday as investors sought bargains from energy and resource shares to capitalise on a strong global oil market.

Turnover was generally weak, with the impact of rising inflation on corporate profits looming large. Indonesia saw market turnover falling to 0.6 times its 30-day average, with Thailand and Malaysia each dropping to around 0.8 times.

Other sharemarkets reversed early losses, with Singapore's Straits Times Index <.FTSTI> ending up 0.46 percent. Malaysia <.KLSE> and Indonesia stocks <.JKSE> both finished flat.

Kuala Lumpur added $55 million in outflows to $640 million over the past six sessions while Bangkok had a combined $270 million inflows for three sessions to Wednesday.

Breaking News-RTRS - Malaysia Feb palm oil output to stay low-Oil World

HAMBURG, Feb 15 (Reuters) - February palm oil output in key producer Malaysia is likely to remain low following a sharp fall in January production, helping transfer global demand to soyoil, Hamburg-based oilseeds analysts Oil World said on Tuesday.

Trader's Highlight

DJI-NEW YORK, Feb 15 (Reuters) - Market breadth weakened and a prominent investor retreated from bullish positions as a vulnerable U.S. stock market slipped off 2-1/2-year highs on Tuesday.

Energy and basic materials stocks led the slide in the S&P 500's worst day since Jan. 28, and billionaire investor Ken Fisher told Reuters he is "more neutral on stocks than I've been in years."

The Dow Jones industrial average <.DJI> lost 41.55 points, or 0.34 percent, at 12,226.64. The Standard & Poor's 500 Index <.SPX> fell 4.31 points, or 0.32 percent, at 1,328.01. The Nasdaq Composite Index <.IXIC> slipped 12.83 points, or 0.46 percent, at 2,804.35.

NYMEX-NEW YORK, Feb 15 (Reuters) - U.S. crude oil futures ended lower for a third session on Tuesday, tracking equities, which fell as a smaller-than-expected rise in retail sales last month raised worries about the strength of the economic recovery.

The dollar rebounded from its early lows, keeping crude down. That overshadowed earlier news showing that inflation was lower than expected in China, and continuing worries about spreading unrest in the Middle East.

On the New York Mercantile Exchange, March crude settled down 49 cents, or 0.58 percent, at $84.32 a barrel, the lowest close since Nov. 30, 2010, when front-month crude closed at $84.11. It traded from $83.85 to $85.97.

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

CBOT-SOYBEANS - March down 34-3/4 cents at $13.68 per bushel. New-crop November down 32-3/4 at $13.32-3/4. A seasonal shift of export business to South America, news of a cancellation of an export sale of U.S. soy, fund long-liquidation and spillover pressure from the release by USDA on Monday of a larger U.S. soy acreage this year than expected combine to weigh on soybean futures.

CBOT-SOYOIL - March down 1.15 cent at 56.54 cents per lb. Spillover pressure from decline in soy.

FCPO-JAKARTA, Feb 14 (Reuters) - Malaysian palm oil futures dropped as much as 1 percent on Monday, with trading range-bound as investors booked profits ahead of eagerly anticipated export data due later this week.

The benchmark April 2011 crude palm oil contract on Bursa Malaysia Derivatives fell 0.6 percent to 3,933 Malaysian ringgit ($1,288) a tonne. Overall, traded volume stood at 11,265 lots of 25 tonnes each, compared with a total of 11,568lots on Friday.

REGIONAL EQUITIES-BANGKOK, Feb 15 (Reuters) - Most Southeast Asian stock markets pulled back on Tuesday as China's closely watched inflation data failed to allay concerns over price pressures in emerging markets, but loan growth optimism lifted banks.

Inflation concerns plagued regional sentiment and kept investors cautious over the outlook of corporate profits. Turnover of Thai stocks <.SETI> fell to 0.86 times their 30-day average, similar to Vietnam's <.VNI> 0.85 times.

Singapore's Straits Times Index <.FTSTI> dropped 0.8 percent, in relatively active volume of 1.36 times its 30-day average. Philippines <.PSI> eased 0.2 percent.

Indonesia and Malaysia were shut for a market holiday and trading will resume on Wednesday. Asian stocks were broadly steady on Tuesday after traders took China's inflation data in stride.

Palm oil shares were among weak spots, with Malaysian palm oil futures dropping as much as 1 percent on Monday, with Singapore-listed Noble Group sliding 2.8 percent and Bangkok-listed Sri Trang Agro down 4.2 percent.

Breaking News-RTRS - Asia oils-China restocks with palm oil after Lunar Year holidays

KUALA LUMPUR, Feb 11 (Reuters) - China, the world's No.2 vegetable oil buyer, is seeking nearby palm oil shipments to replenish stocks after the Lunar New Year holiday although the pace of orders will be slower due to the recent price rally.
China's domestic refined palm olein used in cooking oil is selling at around 10,300 yuan ($1,563)a tonne with import prices for the spot month standing at a much higher 10,800 yuan, potentially limiting the size of purchases, traders said.
Benchmark Malaysia palm oil futures have hit successive three-year highs on strong export demand, particularly from China and concerns of a further stock draw.

Trader's Highlight

DJI-NEW YORK, Feb 11 (Reuters) - U.S. stocks closed out their second straight week of gains on Friday with a rally sparked after Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak resigned, easing tension around the region for now.

The S&P's five-month surge, which has taken it up almost 27 percent, has confounded those calling for a correction, but weak volume recently has been undercutting the unfailingly bullish direction in equities. Only 7.7 billion shares traded on the New York Stock Exchange, the American Stock Exchange and Nasdaq, below last year's daily average of 8.47 billion.

The Dow Jones industrial average <.DJI> was up 43.97 points, or 0.36 percent, at 12,273.26. The Standard & Poor's 500 Index <.SPX> was up 7.28 points, or 0.55 percent, at 1,329.15. The Nasdaq Composite Index <.IXIC> was up 18.99 points, or 0.68percent, at 2,809.44.

NYMEX-NEW YORK, Feb 11 (Reuters) - U.S. crude oil futures ended at their lowest level in 10 weeks on Friday after Egypt's President Hosni Mubarak's resignation eased worries about potential disruption of oil supplies along the Suez Canal and a strategic pipeline.

The dollar rose against the euro, after a brief dip on the news, helping pressure oil prices.

On the New York Mercantile Exchange, March crude settled at $85.58, down $1.15, or 1.33 percent, the lowest close for a front-month contract since Nov. 30's settlement at $84.11. It traded from from $85.10 to $87.77.

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

CBOT-SOYBEANS - March down 17 cents at $14.16 per bushel. Pressure from a seasonal shift in export business to South America and a firm U.S. dollar, traders said.

CBOT-SOYOIL - March down 0.55 cent at 58.49 cents per lb. Weighed down by falling soybeans.

FCPO-KUALA LUMPUR, Feb 11 (Reuters) - Malaysian palm oil futures rose 0.7 percent on Friday on concerns that earlier floods and rains could further weaken yields at a time of strong demand despite prices logging their weakest weekly gain in two weeks.

Traders expect continued tightening in vegetable oil supplies on strong export demand from China and a possible shift in U.S. farming acreage this year to more lucrative corn from soybeans, an oilseed crushed into competing soyoil.

The benchmark April crude palm oil contract on the Bursa Malaysia Derivatives Exchange rose 29 ringgit to 3,955 ringgit ($1,299). The previous day, the market hit 3,967 ringgit, a level not reached since March 2008.

Overall volumes more than doubled to 22,982 lots at 25 tonnes each, compared to the usual 15,000 lots.

REGIONAL EQUITIES-BANGKOK, Feb 11 (Reuters) - Most Southeast Asian stock markets fell on Friday, with Singapore and Malaysia posting their biggest weekly loss in almost nine months, as growing tension in Egypt eroded appetite for risk among emerging market investors.

Foreign funds fled the region just as domestic investors in most markets stayed on the sidelines. The Indonesian <.JKSE> and Thai <.SETI> markets saw subdued trading, with volumes falling to about 0.8 times their 30-day average.

Malaysia, along with Thailand and the Philippines, recorded outflows on the day and the week, amid persistent concern over inflation and as central banks in Asia moved to tighten monetary policy, including interest rate rises by China and Indonesia.

Strong capital inflows into emerging markets last year has lost steam and the region has seen outflows since January.

Dealers expect inflation fears to ease later this year as a result of policy tightening while a recovery in the U.S. economy should shore up global oil prices , luring investors to the resource- and commodity-driven region again.

Singapore's Straits Times Index <.FTSTI> ended down 0.8 percent, with a 4.2 percent loss for the week, the biggest weekly loss since May. Malaysia <.KLSE> eased 0.6 percent on the day. Singapore-listed DBS Group , Southeast Asia's biggest lender, inched down 0.1 percent, as weak sentiment outweighed its better-than-expected quarterly earnings, traders said.

Trader's Highlight

DJI-NEW YORK, Feb 10 (Reuters) - U.S. stocks were lower on Thursday and the Dow was on track to snap an eight-day rally, but hopes for a possible resolution in Egypt to the political unrest that has gripped the country for more than two weeks helped equities pare earlier losses.

Stocks started the session lower after tech bellwether Cisco Systems Inc gave a weak outlook and reported eroding margins, stoking fears about falling public sector spending and increasing competition.

The Dow Jones industrial average <.DJI> was down 39.40 points, or 0.32 percent, at 12,200.49. The Standard & Poor's 500 Index <.SPX> was down 2.81 points, or 0.21 percent, at 1,318.07. The Nasdaq Composite Index <.IXIC> was down 7.76 points, or 0.28 percent, at 2,781.31.

NYMEX-NEW YORK, Feb 10 (Reuters) - U.S. crude futures retraced higher in post-settlement trading on Thursday after Egypt's President Hosni Mubarak said he would transfer the reins of power to his vice president, but not step down.

The speech sparked more worries that Egypt's unrest would spread across the Middle East and disrupt oil supply movement.

On the New York Mercantile Exchange, March crude settled at $86.73, up 2 cents, trading from $85.96 to $87.90.

CBOT-CHICAGO , Feb 10 (Reuters) - Chicago Board of Trade grain and soy complex close on Thursday.

CBOT-SOYBEANS - March down 18 cents at $14.33 per bushel. Profit-taking, a firm dollar, fund selling, corn/soy spreading weigh on soy in addition to pressure from a low number for old-crop soy in the USDA's export sales report.

CBOT-SOYOIL - March down 0.70 cent at 59.04 cents per
lb. Following soybeans with weak crude oil and a downturn in palm also weighing.

FCPO-KUALA LUMPUR, Feb 10 (Reuters) - Malaysian palm oil futures ended off three-year highs hit earlier on Thursday as traders booked some profits after a slew of industry data showed tight vegetable oil supplies at a time when demand has picked up.

Industry regulator Malaysian Palm Oil Board said January palm oil stocks fell to a six-month low, as floods and heavy rains curbed output.

The report comes hot on the heels of U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) data showing tighter soyoil stocks and a lower forecast for Argentina's soy crop that earlier suffered a dry spell.

The benchmark April crude palm oil contract on the Bursa Malaysia Derivatives Exchange rose as much as 0.9 percent to 3,967 ringgit ($1,306), a level not reached since March 2008.

The contract later settled 0.1 percent lower at 3,926 ringgit a tonne. Overall volumes more than doubled to 35,028 lots at 25 tonnes each, compared to the usual 15,000 lots. Credit Suisse said in a note that foreign participation in palm oil futures are at record high and the market could be vulnerable to profit-taking.

REGIONAL EQUITIES-BANGKOK, Feb 10 (Reuters) - Southeast Asian stock markets fell on Thursday amid rising inflationary pressures that triggered more foreign outflows and dealt a big blow to market heavyweights, including banks.

Market investors were cautious about a possible cool down in regional growth in response to the tightening of monetary policies in Asian countries after interest rate increases by China early this week and Indonesia last week.

Sharemarkets tumbled across the region in line with broad Asian stocks, which suffered a second session of sharp losses on Thursday after the U.S. central bank chief signalled the recovery in the world's biggest economy was still fragile.

Flows to Southeast Asia were mixed on Thursday. Malaysia suffered $242 million outflows, followed by Thailand's $91 million outflows, exchange data showed.

Turnover in Singapore and Malaysia was 1.5 times their 30-day average. Thai turnover was relatively weak at 0.75 times the 30-day average, similar to Vietnam's 0.73 times.

Southeast Asia's biggest developer CapitaLand , which is listed in Singapore, was down 2.6 percent, extending its losses on Wednesday after China's tightening stoked concern over moderating Asian demand that could hurt Southeast Asian companies exposed to China.

Trader's Highlight

DJI-NEW YORK, Feb 9 (Reuters) - Investors took profits after a recent rise in U.S. stocks on Wednesday but a late-hour rally in Bank of America shares helped the Dow squeeze out its eighth straight day of gains.

Market participants remain confident that solid corporate earnings will inspire further advances, but a recent string of lightly traded sessions raises worries that buying interest at current levels has dried up.

The Dow Jones industrial average <.DJI> was up 6.74 points, or 0.06 percent, at 12,239.89. The Standard & Poor's 500 Index <.SPX> was down 3.69 points, or 0.28 percent, at 1,320.88. The Nasdaq Composite Index <.IXIC> was down 7.98 points, or 0.29 percent, at 2,789.07.

NYMEX-NEW YORK, Feb 9 (Reuters) - U.S. crude futures ended slightly lower on Wednesday after a volatile session on pressure from the government's oil inventory report showing crude and product stockpiles rose last week.

While the Energy Information Administration data curbed U.S. crude, ongoing concerns about unrest in Egypt and a weaker dollar helped Brent rise intraday above $102 a barrel.

Brent's premium to its U.S. counterpart pushed to a record high above $15a barrel.

On the New York Mercantile Exchange, March crude fell 23 cents, or 0.26 percent, to settle at $86.71 a barrel, having traded from $86.36 to $87.95.

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

CBOT-SOYBEANS - March up 16-3/4 cents at $14.51 per bushel. Spillover support from big rally in corn futures following the release of USDA's February supply/demand and crop production reports.

CBOT-SOYOIL - March up 0.97 cent at 59.74 cents per lb. Following soybeans.

FCPO-KUALA LUMPUR, Feb 9 (Reuters) - Malaysian palm oil futures jumped to a fresh three-year high on Wednesday as traders bet on further tightening of supplies and strong economic growth underscored by China's surprise rate move.

On Tuesday, China, the world's No.2 vegetable oil buyer, raised interest rates for the second time in just over six weeks, renewing its battle with stubbornly high inflation.

The benchmark April crude palm oil contract on the Bursa Malaysia Derivatives Exchange rose half a percent. Earlier in the day the contract hit a three-year high of 3,948 ringgit ($1,301)a tonne. Overall volumes shot up to 28,604 lots at 25 tonnes each, compared to the usual 15,000 lots

REGIONAL EQUITIES-BANGKOK, Feb 9 (Reuters) - Southeast Asian stock markets fell on Wednesday as China's rate hike prompted selling in emerging equities, a sector already plagued by growing inflationary pressure and rising interest rate environment.

China's tightening stoked concern over moderating Asian demand that could hurt Southeast Asian companies exposed to China, squeeze exports and dent corporate earnings.

Beaten-down stocks included Southeast Asia's biggest developer CapitaLand , which touched its lowest in almost nine months, and palm oil shares which saw selling across the region on fears of weakening demand in China.

Singapore's Straits Times Index <.FTSTI> lost 1 percent on the day, setting a year-low. Indonesia's main index <.JKSE> fell over 2 percent at one point to its lowest in more than one week. Philippine <.PSI> and Thai stocks <.SETI> hit one-week low.

Volumes were relatively brisk in Singapore, with turnover of 1.5 times its 30-day average, followed by Malaysia's <.KLSE> 1.1 times. Turnover of Indonesia and Thailand both fell to 0.8 times their 30-day average.

As in broader Asia, inflation remains a major risk for Southeast Asia this year, with food and fuel prices continuing to rise, prompting market investors to expect more rate hikes by policymakers in the region this year.

Palm oil shares were weak spots in the region. Wilmar International , the world's largest listed palm oil firm, lost 1.6 percent, Malaysia's IOI Corp eased 0.5 percent and Indonesia's PT Astra Agro Lestari fell 2.5 percent.

Trader's Highlight

DJI-NEW YORK, Feb 8 (Reuters) - The Dow notched a seventh straight day of gains on Tuesday, but light volume suggested that investors don't believe the more than five-month rally has the legs to keep going.

Surprisingly strong sales by McDonald's boosted optimism on consumer spending and drove the Dow's gains on what turned out to be the quietest day of trading so far in 2011, with total volume about 17 percent below last year's daily average.

The Dow Jones industrial average <.DJI> was up 71.52 points, or 0.59 percent, at 12,233.15. The Standard & Poor's 500 Index <.SPX> was up 5.52 points, or 0.42 percent, at 1,324.57. The Nasdaq Composite Index <.IXIC> was up 13.06 points, or 0.47 percent, at 2,797.05.

NYMEX-NEW YORK, Feb 8 (Reuters) - U.S. crude oil prices ended lower for a fourth day on Tuesday after news that Suez Canal operations and ship movements were unaffected by strikes of workers at companies at the zone.

But in post-settlement trading, losses were pared and intraday prices climbed back to above $87 a barrel after the American Petroleum Institute reported an unexpected drawdown in domestic crude stocks last week.

On the New York Mercantile Exchange, crude for March delivery settled down 54 cents, or 0.62 percent, at $86.94 a barrel, the lowest close since Jan. 27. It traded from $85.88 to $88.11.

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

CBOT-SOYBEANS - March up 9-3/4 cents at $14.34-1/4 per bushel. November up 11-1/2 at $13.77-1/2. Late fund buying lifted soybeans as traders remained optimistic about more big sales of soy to China as U.S. soy stocks continue to shrink. A late fund buy order boosted soy through Monday's high, touching off buy-stops.

CBOT-SOYOIL - March up 0.36 cent at 58.77 cents per lb. Following soybeans.

REGIONAL EQUITIES-BANGKOK, Feb 8 (Reuters) - Most Southeast Asian stock markets fell on Tuesday as investors further cut positions in emerging equities, alarmed by growing inflationary pressures weighing on the region's large-capitalised stocks.

The exodus of funds has pulled most markets off last year's peaks with expectations of higher interest rates dampening future earnings of Southeast Asian firms.

Singapore fell 0.2 percent to near a one-week low, with turnover of 1.07 times its 30-day average. Property shares fell on concerns over cooling measures in China to rein in stubbornly high housing prices, led by 3 percent drop in Keppel Land .

Bucking the trend, Malaysia climbed to a two-week high, in relatively active turnover of 1.1 times its 30-day average, while Vietnam rose 2 percent on resuming trade after market holidays since last week.

Trader's Highlight

DJI-NEW YORK, Feb 7 (Reuters) - The Dow and S&P 500 advanced to their highest levels since June 2008 on Monday as a flurry of merger news and solid earnings sparked broad gains.

Buying accelerated after the S&P 500 broke through the high end of its recent range, suggesting Wall Street has the strength to move the market higher. Almost three stocks rose for every one that fell on the New York Stock Exchange.

The Dow Jones industrial average <.DJI> was up 77.99 points, or 0.64 percent, at 12,170.14. The Standard & Poor's 500 Index <.SPX> was up 9.88 points, or 0.75 percent, at 1,320.75. The Nasdaq Composite Index <.IXIC> was up 21.26 points, or 0.77 percent, at 2,790.56.

NYMEX-NEW YORK, Feb 7 (Reuters) - U.S. crude oil futures ended lower for a third session on Monday, dropping to their lowest level in more than a week, as no supplies have gotten disrupted from the Mideast even though unrest in Egypt continued.

Transits through the Suez Canal remained unaffected, though traders were closely watching developments in Egypt, with concerns still remaining that turmoil there may spread across the Middle East, traders said.

On the New York Mercantile Exchange, March crude settled down $1.55, or 1.74 percent, at $87.48 a barrel, the lowest since the Jan. 27 close at $85.64. It traded from $87.42 to $89.54.

CBOT-CHICAGO, Feb 7 (Reuters) - Chicago Board of Trade grain and
soy complex close on Monday.

CBOT-SOYBEANS - March down 9 cents at $14.24-1/2 per
bushel. Fund long-liquidation weighs in addition to pressure form
better crop weather in Argentina.

CBOT-SOYOIL - March down 0.57 cent at 58.41 cents per lb.

REGIONAL EQUITIES-BANGKOK, Feb 7 (Reuters) - Most Southeast Asian stock markets were weaker to flat on Monday as investors cashed in on recent gains in energy-related stocks and financials, helping pull Singapore and Indonesia shares off their two-day highs.

Market volume was generally light as the improving U.S. economy sapped appetite for the emerging markets. Indonesia <.JKSE> and Thailand <.SETI> each saw its turnover around two-thirds the 30-day average.

Shares in Indonesia and Singapore <.FTSTI> failed to hold early gains, easing 0.6 percent and 0.2 percent respectively. Bargain hunters earlier entered the markets on technical-led buying, dealers said8.

Singapore-based Najeeb Jarhom, head of research at broker AmFraser Securities, said technical signals pointed to further upside for Singapore's Straits Times Index, with a 2011 fiscal budget announcement this month, partly helping to trigger buying.

In Kuala Lumpur, buying interest in palm plantation stocks helped pushed the Malaysia's main index to two-week highs along with rising Malaysia's palm oil futures, led by a 5.1 percent gain in Kuala Lumpur Kepong .

Trader's Highlight

DJI-NEW YORK, Feb 4 (Reuters) - U.S. stocks ended higher on Friday and the S&P 500 posted its best week in nine as the market defied calls for a pullback.

Investors rotated into defensive and lagging sectors in a move that could intensify in coming weeks.

Based on the latest available data, the Dow Jones industrial average <.DJI> was up 29.44 points, or 0.24 percent, at 12,091.70. The Standard & Poor's 500 Index <.SPX> was up 3.73 points, or 0.29 percent, at 1,310.83. The Nasdaq Composite Index <.IXIC> was up 15.42 points, or 0.56 percent, at 2,769.30.

NYMEX-NEW YORK, Feb 4 (Reuters) - U.S. crude oil futures fell nearly 2 percent on Friday as the market was roiled by an apparently unfounded television report about a possible announcement from Egypt that sparked speculation President Hosni Mubarak could be stepping down.

Mixed signals in the government's unemployment report for January and a rebound in the dollar also pressured crude.

On the New York Mercantile Exchange, crude for March delivery settled down $1.51, or 1.67 percent, at $89.03 a barrel, after trading from $88.45 to $91.67.

CBOT-CHICAGO, Feb 4 (Reuters) - Chicago Board of Trade grain and soy complex futures close on Friday.

CBOT-SOYBEANS - March down 2 cents at $14.33-1/2 per bushel. Funds sold an estimated net 4,000 contracts. Improved crop weather in Argentina and prospects for big soybean harvest this season in South America weigh, along with profit-taking near 28-1/2 month highs.

CBOT-SOYOIL - March up 0.20 cent per lb at 58.98. Funds bought 1,000 contracts.

FCPO-KUALA LUMPUR, Feb 2 (Reuters) - Benchmark palm oil futures rose as much as 2.4 percent on concerns of tight vegetable oil supplies as floods partly submerged oil palm estates in Malaysia, and Argentine port strikes continued for more than a week.

April palm oil on the Bursa Malaysia Derivatives Exchange climbed 91 ringgit to 3,900 ringgit within the first 20 minutes of trade.

REGIONAL EQUITIES-BANGKOK, Feb 4 (Reuters) - Indonesian stocks eked out small gains on Friday after an interest rate rise soothed inflation concerns and Thai stocks rose to their highest in almost two weeks after a surge in the shares of heavyweight PTT Exploration.

Market volume remained weak due to the Lunar New Year holidays in much of Asia, including Singapore <.FTSTI>, Malaysia <.KLSE> and Vietnam <.VNI>.

Trader's Highlight

DJI-NEW YORK, Feb 1 (Reuters) - U.S. stocks opened higher on Tuesday as solid manufacturing data in Europe helped investors refocus attentions from the maelstrom in the Middle East to hopes that a global economic recovery was on track.

The Dow Jones industrial average <.DJI> was up 33.64 points, or 0.28 percent, at 11,925.57. The Standard & Poor's 500 Index <.SPX> was up 3.02 points, or 0.23 percent, at 1,289.14. The Nasdaq Composite Index <.IXIC> was up 17.81 points, or 0.6percent, at 2,717.89.

NYMEX-NEW YORK, Feb 1 (Reuters) - U.S. crude oil ended lower on Tuesday, snapping a two-session rally sparked by the turmoil in Egypt, but fell deeper in post-settlement trading after industry data showed that domestic crude inventories rose more than expected last week.

The American Petroleum Institute reported that domestic crude stocks rose 3.8 million barrels last week.

On the New York Mercantile Exchange, crude for March delivery settled down $1.42, or 1.54 percent, at $90.77 a barrel, after trading from $90.48 to $92.45.

CBOT-CHICAGO, Feb 1 (Reuters) - Chicago Board of Trade grains and soy complex close on Tuesday.

CBOT-SOYBEANS - March up 25 cents at $14.38 per bushel. Rallied to 28-1/2 month high in spot contract and contract highs hit in March, May and August. Support from a port strike in Argentina that was delaying shipments, a weak dollar and cold weather in the United States that was increasing livestock feed consumption.

CBOT-SOYOIL - March up 0.84 cent at 58.72 cents per lb. Spillover support from gains in soybeans.

FCPO-KUALA LUMPUR, Jan 31 (Reuters) - Malaysian palm oil futures hit one-week highs on Monday as floods in key growing areas delayed deliveries, raising concern of a further tightening in global vegetable oil supplies and escalating inflation in importing nations.

Palm oil notched its highest daily gain this year with traders expecting the market to rally as floods in key producing regions of Johor and Sabah cut off access roads and bring harvesting to a standstill.

The benchmark April crude palm oil contract on the Bursa Malaysia Derivatives rose as much as 3 percent to 3,809 Malaysian ringgit ($1,247)a tonne, a level unseen since Jan. 24.

Traded volume stood at 19,085 lots at 25 tonnes each, as traders were compelled to take positions ahead of the a string of public holidays, including Federal Territories day on Tuesday and Lunar New Holiday on Thursday and Friday.

REGIONAL EQUITIES-BANGKOK, Feb 1 (Reuters) - Indonesian stocks climbed almost 1 percent on Tuesday, outperforming others in the region amid good demand for energy shares because of high global oil prices, but bank stocks fared badly as rising inflation hit sentiment.

Markets in the region saw relatively low turnover in a week shortened in many centres by Lunar New Year holidays. Volume in Indonesia fell to 0.88 times its 30-day avearage, with Singapore's easing to 0.91 times and Thailand's at 0.98 times.

Singapore <.FTSTI> ended a tad higher, trimming some of its early rise. The city-state's bourse is shut Thursday and Friday.