Breaking News-RTRS - Stubbornly high stocks to drag on palm oil futures-Mistry

KUALA LUMPUR, July 28 (Reuters) - Palm oil futures KPOc3 could drop as low as 2,800 Malaysian ringgit ($947.55) in September as stocks in No. 2 producer Malaysia remain stubbornly high, a top analyst said on Thursday.
That represents a drop of around 29 percent from 2011 high of 3,967 ringgit in February as Godrej International's Dorab Mistry said a high output cycle remains in force and will lead to record high stocks for Malaysia by early December.
But price declines could be limited as a palm oil discount to competing soyoil would widen to a new 2011 peak of $250 per tonne, kicking in more demand, Mistry said. The narrowest discount stood at $2 per tonne in late February, according to Reuters data.

Breaking News-RTRS - Indonesia may cut maximum palm oil export tax rate-official

JAKARTA, July 27 (Reuters) - Indonesia, the world's No. 1 palm oil producer is eyeing a lower maximum palm export tax rate, now 25 percent, as early as next month, Bambang Brojonegoro, head of the fiscal policy section at the finance ministry, said on Wednesday.
The palm oil market has been abuzz with talk that Jakarta may cut the top tax rate to 20 percent or 22.5 percent.

Trader's Highlight

DJI-NEW YORK, July 26 (Reuters) - The stalemate in U.S. debt talks dragged down stocks for a second day on Tuesday, and light volume showed investors remained reluctant to make bets despite another round of healthy earnings.

Declining issues solidly outpaced advancing ones, even though major averages showed mostly modest declines.

A failure to raise the U.S. debt limit by an Aug. 2 deadline could roil markets and hurt the economy if the United States puts off paying bills. Democrats and Republicans continued to joust on Tuesday over which side's plan has the better chance of passage.

At the close, the Dow Jones industrial average .DJI was down 91.50 points, or 0.73 percent, at 12,501.30. The Standard & Poor's 500 Index .SPX was down 5.49 points, or 0.41 percent, at 1,331.94. The Nasdaq Composite Index .IXIC was down 2.84 points, or 0.10 percent, at 2,839.96.

NYMEX-NEW YORK, July 27 (Reuters) - U.S. crude futures fell 2.2 percent on Wednesday after a surprise increase in domestic crude inventories and on concern that the unsettled debate about the U.S. debt limit may lead to curbed economic growth.

U.S. crude stocks rose 2.3 million barrels last week, the U.S. Energy Information Administration's weekly oil inventory report said, against a forecast for stocks to be down.

On the New York Mercantile Exchange, September crude CLU1 fell $2.19, or 2.2 percent, to settle at $97.40 a barrel, trading as high as $99.50. Prices fell to a low of $97.17 in post-settlement trading.

CBOT-SOYBEANS-Soybean futures on the Chicago Board of Trade fell on forecasts for increased rains in the U.S. Midwest next week, along with a rally in the U.S. dollar, traders said.

The dollar rebounded as investors took a break from selling, though uncertainty around U.S. debt negotiations may limit the rally.

FCPO-KUALA LUMPUR, July 27 (Reuters) - Malaysia palm oil futures rose 0.4 percent in light trade on Wednesday on strong soy markets as China resumed buying and dry weather in the United States, although gains were limited over concerns of a looming U.S. debt crisis.

A Republican plan to try to break a congressional deadlock over raising the U.S. debt limit stumbled amid delays and a revolt by fiscal conservatives on Tuesday, narrowing the chances for a deal to avert a default and forcing investors to flee to safe-haven assets.

Palm oil, which has lost 17.3 percent so far this year, has been rather steady as traders look out for industry analyst Dorab Mistry presenting his price outlook in Sydney on Thursday.

The benchmark October crude palm oil contract KPOc3 on Bursa Malaysia Derivatives rose 11 ringgit to 3,130 ringgit ($1,059.222) per tonne.

Overall traded volume fell to 18,512 lots of 25 tonnes each from the usual 25,000 lots.

REGIONAL EQUITIES-BANGKOK, July 27 (Reuters) - Southeast Asian stock markets pushed higher in moderate volume on Wednesday as optimism over earnings helped lift appetite for financial stocks and big-caps although the deadlock in the U.S. debt talks remained a worry.

Stocks in Indonesia .JKSE set fresh all-time highs and Thailand .SETI scaled another 15-year peak amid fund inflows and as emerging market currencies strengthened against the dollar.

Indonesia climbed 1 percent and Thailand rose 0.8 percent. Singapore .FTSTI and Philippine shares .PSI edged up slightly. Malaysia .KLSE bucked the trend, erasing early gains to end a tad lower.

In Singapore, casino operator Genting Singapore GENS.SI surged 6.1 percent after rival Las Vegas Sands LVS.N reported strong earnings from its Marina Bay Sands casino in the city-state.

Trader's Highlight

DJI-NEW YORK, July 26 (Reuters) - The stalemate in U.S. debt talks dragged down stocks for a second day on Tuesday, and light volume showed investors remained reluctant to make bets despite another round of healthy earnings.

Declining issues solidly outpaced advancing ones, even though major averages showed mostly modest declines.

A failure to raise the U.S. debt limit by an Aug. 2 deadline could roil markets and hurt the economy if the United States puts off paying bills. Democrats and Republicans continued to joust on Tuesday over which side's plan has the better chance of passage.

At the close, the Dow Jones industrial average .DJI was down 91.50 points, or 0.73 percent, at 12,501.30. The Standard & Poor's 500 Index .SPX was down 5.49 points, or 0.41 percent, at 1,331.94. The Nasdaq Composite Index .IXIC was down 2.84 points, or 0.10 percent, at 2,839.96.

NYMEX-NEW YORK, July 26 (Reuters) - U.S. crude oil futures rose on Tuesday as the dollar weakened, encouraging investors to buy riskier assets.

Technical support also spurred buying, helping push up oil futures. Trading volume was moderate as many investors awaited outcome of the stalemated debt talks in Washington.

On the New York Mercantile Exchange, September light sweet crude CLU1 for September delivery settled at $99.59 a barrel, gaining 39 cents, or 0.39 percent, trading from $97.76 to $100.62, the highest level since the June 10 intraday high of $102.15.

CBOT-SOYBEANS-Soybean futures on the Chicago Board of Trade ended higher, rebounding from Monday's fall on a drop in U.S. soy crop ratings and outlooks for hot and dry weather in the southern Midwest, traders said.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture late on Monday said 62 percent of the U.S. soybean crop was rated in good to excellent condition, down from 64 percent the previous week.

FCPO-KUALA LUMPUR, July 26 (Reuters) - Malaysian palm oil futures bounced back in light trade on Tuesday as investors bet on talk of slower production due to drier weather in major planting areas, although uncertainty about the global economy still weighed.

Output in major producing countries is expected to start slowing during the one-month fasting observance as many Muslim estate workers take a break for a key holiday, Eid Al-Fitr.

The benchmark crude palm oil contract KPOc3 on Bursa Malaysia Derivatives closed 0.6 percent, or 19 ringgit, higher to 3,119 ringgit ($1,049) per tonne.

Overall traded volume was almost halved to 12,932 lots of 25 tonnes each from the usual 25,000 lots.

REGIONAL EQUITIES-BANGKOK, July 26 (Reuters) - Major Southeast Asian stock markets were mostly higher on Tuesday as investors bought financial stocks and big caps at the start of the reporting season but caution prevailed, with the U.S. debt ceiling negotiations still in deadlock.

The positive outlook for the economy and corporate earnings in the region helped sentiment and strong buying sent stocks in Indonesia .JKSE 1.1 percent higher to a record high, with turnover double the 30-day average.

Others posted more limited gains in moderate volume, with Singapore .FTSTI edging up 0.5 percent to three-month highs and Malaysia .KLSE inching up 0.14 percent. Thai .SETI and Philippine shares .PSI erased early gains to end lower.

Investors were reluctant to chase the region much higher amid fears that squabbling U.S. politicians would not be able to agree on a debt ceiling deal in time to avoid a default.

Trader's Highlight

DJI-NEW YORK, July 25 (Reuters) - U.S. stocks dipped on Monday as lawmakers remained in a standoff over raising the debt ceiling to avoid default, but investors were convinced a compromise will be reached before next week's critical deadline.

Trading volume, however, was light even for a seasonally quiet period, suggesting investors were holding to the sidelines. In another sign of negative sentiment, declining stocks far outpaced advancers despite the day's moderate declines.

Lawmakers are facing an Aug. 2 deadline to raise the $14.3 trillion debt ceiling to avert a U.S. default.

The Dow Jones industrial average .DJI was down 88.36 points, or 0.70 percent, at 12,592.80. The Standard & Poor's 500 Index .SPX was down 7.59 points, or 0.56 percent, at 1,337.43. The Nasdaq Composite Index .IXIC was down 16.03 points, or 0.56percent, at 2,842.80.

NYMEX-NEW YORK, July 25 (Reuters) - U.S. crude oil futures ended lower on Monday as investors turned cautious due to stalled talks in Washington over a deal to raise the government debt limit to avoid a default by Aug. 2.

Trading volume was 41 percent below the 30-day average, suggesting investors were keeping to the sidelines as Washington debates the debt ceiling.

On the New York Mercantile Exchange, crude for September delivery CLU1 settled at $99.20 a barrel, falling 67 cents, or 0.67 percent, after trading from $98.52 to $99.87.

CBOT-SOYBEANS-Soybean futures on the Chicago Board of Trade fell 1.2 percent on the biggest single-day drop since June 30, on improved crop weather and worries over U.S. debt, traders said.

Grains and other commodities pressured as the inability of the U.S. Congress to reach agreement on raising the government debt limit kept investors wary of risky assets and concerned about the global economy.

FCPO-KUALA LUMPUR, July 25 (Reuters) - Malaysian palm oil futures dropped on Monday as traders booked profit after pricing in firm exports and eyed growing concerns of a U.S. debt default that may slow global economic growth and demand.

The palm oil market has been choppy in the past few days and could come under more pressure due to mounting worries about U.S. debt. The market has lost more than 18 percent so far this year on higher production in top suppliers Indonesia and Malaysia.

The benchmark October crude palm oil contract KPOc3 on Bursa Malaysia Derivatives had fallen 1.3 percent, or 40 ringgit, to 3,100 ringgit ($1,042.017) per tonne.

Overall traded volume rose to 27,685 lots of 25 tonnes each from the usual 25,000 lots.

REGIONAL EQUITIES-BANGKOK, July 25 (Reuters) - Southeast Asian stock markets were mostly flat to lower on Monday as concern over a potential U.S. debt default hurt sentiment, but investors bought banks, seen as the best bet in a region where interest rates are on the rise.

Regional equities were subdued as debt talks continued in Washington, keeping investors nervous ahead of a deadline of Aug. 2. Stocks in Indonesia .JKSE, which struck record highs last week due to foreign inflows, edged down 0.5 percent.

Singapore .FTSTI and Malaysia .KLSE also edged slightly lower, while Thailand .SETI, the Philippines .PSI and Vietnam .VNI recouped early losses to end in positive territory.

Trading volume was generally moderate to weak, the most active market being Indonesia with 1.6 times its 30-day average, but turnover in Singapore and Malaysia fell to around 0.8 times their 30-day average.

Brokers say economic growth in Asia has been relatively resilient to U.S. and European troubles, making Asia's outlook promising, but markets in the region may be choppy in the short term due to the negative impact of the U.S. debt crisis.

CIMB Securities is positive on Southeast Asia, with an overweight rating on Indonesia as its strong economic fundmentals bode well for corporate earnings.

Trader's Highlight

DJI-NEW YORK, July 22 (Reuters) - Investors poured into tech shares on Friday as promising chipmaker earnings and optimism that a solution was on the horizon for the U.S. debt stalemate triggered a move into growth-oriented shares.

The Dow was held back by Caterpillar Inc CAT.N, with shares of the heavy equipment maker falling 5.8 percent on disappointing results. The stock exerted a 48.6-point drag on the Dow, which ended off 43 points.

The benchmark S&P 500 index rose 2.2 percent for the week, lifted by strong earnings and a new bailout plan for Greece to contain Europe's debt crisis. Stocks have been restrained, however, by the long slog of negotiations to resolve the U.S. debt crisis.

The Dow Jones industrial average .DJI dropped 43.25 points, or 0.34 percent, to 12,681.16. The Standard & Poor's 500 Index .SPX added 1.22 points, or 0.09 percent, to 1,345.02. The Nasdaq Composite Index .IXIC gained 24.40 points, or 0.86 percent, to 2,858.83.

NYMEX-NEW YORK, July 22 (Reuters) - U.S. crude oil futures settled at a six-week high just below $100 a barrel on Friday, buoyed by a sharp rebound in refined product futures.

A late slew of pre-weekend short-covering also pulled crude futures higher. Gasoline and heating oil futures gained on spread trading as they tracked higher Brent crude futures.

On the New York Mercantile Exchange, crude for September delivery CLU1 settled at $99.87 a barrel, gaining 74 cents, or 0.75 percent, the highest since June 9's close at $101.93.

CBOT-SOYBEANS-Soybean futures on the Chicago Board of Trade closed firm following a rally in corn as heat in the Midwest threatened the pollinating corn crop.

Cooler temperatures and showers in parts of the U.S. Midwest late this week will provide crops with only minor relief from stress - agricultural meteorologist

FCPO-KUALA LUMPUR, July 22 (Reuters) - Malaysian palm oil futures bounced on Friday as firmer overseas markets and fresh talk of a dip in production lifted sentiment.

The palm oil market has been choppy in the past week as concerns over the U.S. and euro debt crisis deepened this week. It has lost 17 percent so far this year thanks to higher supply although a possible slowdown in output in July and August could recover some losses.

The benchmark October crude palm oil contract KPOc3 on Bursa Malaysia Derivatives ended up 0.3 percent to 3,140 Malaysian ringgit ($1,048.414) per tonne.

Overall traded volume fell to 20,235 lots of 25 tonnes each from the usual 25,000 lots.

REGIONAL EQUITIES-HONG KONG, July 22 (Reuters) - Thai stocks outperformed in Southeast Asia on Friday, up 1.5 percent, as they continued to play catch-up to the region, helped by foreign buying, while Indonesia's benchmark hit another record high.

Southeast Asian markets are Asia's top performers this year thanks to strong economic and corporate fundamentals, as investors try to side-step problems affecting other markets such as China and India.

Malaysian .KLSE and Philippine markets .PSI ended the day little changed.

Trader's Highlight

DJI-NEW YORK, July 21 (Reuters) - U.S. stocks climbed on Thursday as signs of progress on the U.S. debt talks and concrete action from Europe on its own debt crisis heartened investors.

Unexpectedly robust earnings results from Morgan Stanley MS.N, whose shares rose 11 percent to $24.20, extended a relief rally in bank stocks after Goldman Sachs' dismal trading profits stunned the market earlier in the week.

The Dow Jones industrial average .DJI gained 152.50 points, or 1.21 percent, to 12,724.41. The Standard & Poor's 500 Index .SPX rose 17.96 points, or 1.35 percent, to 1,343.80. The Nasdaq Composite Index .IXIC advanced 20.20 points, or 0.72 percent, to 2,834.43.

NYMEX-NEW YORK, July 21 (Reuters) - U.S. crude oil futures rose for a third day on Thursday to close at a four-week high above $99 a barrel as mid-Atlantic region manufacturing rebounded in July, outweighing higher jobless claims last week.

In post-settlement trading, news of a concrete action from European Union leaders on how to help Greece's deal with its debt troubles helped push the stock market higher and in turn firmed up crude futures prices.

On the New York Mercantile Exchange, crude for September delivery CLU1 settled at $99.13 a barrel, up 73 cents, or 0.74 percent, the highest since June 14 close at $99.37 CLc1. Late profit-taking trimmed gain.

CBOT-SOYBEANS-Soybean futures on the Chicago Board of Trade ended firm, buoyed by short-covering as traders unwound long corn/short soybean spreads, brokers said.

Soybeans also drew support from a three-day decline in the U.S. dollar index .DXY, and from strength in crude oil.

FCPO-KUALA LUMPUR, Jul 21 (Reuters) - Malaysian palm oil futures fell on Thursday after hitting a one-month high earlier in the session as weak economic Chinese data erased gains made on higher export hopes.

Commodity markets come under pressure after weak economic data from the world's top commodities buyer China signalled some weaker demand in the months to come.

The HSBC flash PMI, the earliest available indicator of industrial activity in China fell to 48.9 in July, its lowest since March 2009, as monetary policy tightening and slack global demand weighed on the economy

The benchmark October crude palm oil contract KPOc3 on Bursa Malaysia Derivatives touched one-month highs of 3,164 ringgit before paring some gains to end 23 ringgit lower at 3,130 ringgit ($1,044.186).

Overall traded volume stood at 22,636 lots of 25 tonnes each, below the usual 25,000 lots.

REGIONAL EQUITIES-SINGAPORE, July 21 (Reuters) - Indonesian stocks hit a record high and Thai stocks touched a three-month peak on Thursday as foreigners continued to buy Bangkok shares, helping Southeast Asian stocks outperform other Asian bourses, which were hit by weak Chinese manufacturing data.

Trading volume in most of the region exceeded the 30-day moving average, indicating investors' strong appetite and suggesting further near-term gains.

But valuations may cause performance to diverge in the region, some analysts said.

Singapore shares turned higher to touch a two-week high on easing concerns about Greece's debt problems after news about a Franco-German accord on the crisis.

Trader's Highlight

DJI-NEW YORK, July 20 (Reuters) - U.S. stocks closed near unchanged on Wednesday, a day after Wall Street's best rally since March, as the oncoming debt ceiling deadline overshadowed strong earnings from Apple Inc.

Apple AAPL.O hit another all-time high one day after the maker of the iPhone and iPad reported quarterly revenues that far exceeded expectations.

The Dow Jones industrial average .DJI lost 15.44 points, or 0.12 percent, to 12,571.98. The Standard & Poor's 500 Index .SPX shed 0.87 points, or 0.07 percent, to 1,325.86. The Nasdaq Composite Index .IXIC dropped 12.29 points, or 0.43 percent, to 2,814.23.

NYMEX-NEW YORK, July 20 (Reuters) - U.S. crude oil futures rose for a second day on Wednesday after data showed domestic crude stocks fell sharply last week and on hopes that debt problems in the United States and the euro zone would soon be resolved.

On the New York Mercantile Exchange, the August contract CLQ1 expired and settled at $98.14, up 64 cents, or 0.66 percent, after trading from $96.64 to $99.02.

CBOT-SOYBEANS-Soybean futures on the Chicago Board of Trade ended firmer on worries about stressful hot weather in the U.S. Midwest crop belt, traders said.

But prices ended below the day's highs and dipped lower in volatile trade in the closing minutes of the session as corn futures fell on some updated weather forecasts for temperatures to moderate next week.

FCPO-KUALA LUMPUR, July 20 (Reuters) - Malaysian palm oil futures rose 1.5 percent to hit near one-month highs on Wednesday as firmer commodity markets and expectations of higher export demand lifted sentiment.

Cargo surveyors Intertek Testing Services and Societe Generale de Surveillance on Tuesday showed Malaysian palm oil exports during the first 20 days of this month rose 5.4 and 5.7 percent repectively, compared to the same period a month ago.[

The benchmark October crude palm oil contract KPOc3 on Bursa Malaysia Derivatives rose 46 ringgit to hit the highest level since June 23 of 3,153 ringgit ($1,048.815) per tonne.

Overall traded volume was 33,205 lots of 25 tonnes each, from the usual 25,000 lots.

REGIONAL EQUITIES-COLOMBO, July 20 (Reuters) - Southeast Asian stock markets gained on Wednesday as hopes that a U.S. debt default would be averted brought buyers back, driving Indonesia and the Philippines to record highs.

Appetite for risky assets overall was up after comments by President Barack Obama that progress was being made towards a debt reduction deal.

Singapore .FTSTI rose 1 percent to a two-week high on strong earnings hopes, while Malaysia .KLSE gained 0.5 percent, snapping a two-day fall.

Breaking News-RTRS - Malaysia, Indonesia palm output to rise -Oil World

HAMBURG, July 19 (Reuters) - Oil World on Tuesday raised its forecasts of Malaysian and Indonesian 2011 palm oil output and said higher supplies would continue to create downward pressure on prices.
The Hamburg-based oilseeds analyst revised its estimate for Malaysia's calendar year 2011 palm oil output to 18.6 million tonnes, up from 16.0 million tonnes in 2010.
It estimated Indonesian 2011 palm output at 24.0 million tonnes against 22.2 million tonnes in 2010.
Oil World had previously forecast Malaysian 2011 output at 18.3 million tonnes and Indonesian at 23.8 million tonnes.

Trader's Highlight

DJI-NEW YORK, July 19 (Reuters) - U.S. stocks recorded their best day since March on Tuesday after strong corporate results and renewed hope for an agreement in Washington on thorny budget issues boosted investor confidence.

Quarterly numbers from technology bellwether International Business Machines Corp IBM.N and Coca-Cola KO.N lifted technology and consumer shares in the first heavy week of second-quarter results. IBM gained 5.7 percent, leading the Dow's gainers.

The Dow Jones industrial average .DJI was up 202.11 points, or 1.63 percent, at 12,587.27. The Standard & Poor's 500 Index .SPX was up 21.27 points, or 1.63 percent, at 1,326.71. The Nasdaq Composite Index .IXIC was up 61.41 points, or 2.22 percent, at 2,826.52.

NYMEX-NEW YORK, July 19 (Reuters) - U.S. crude oil futures extended gains in post-settlement trading on Tuesday after the American Petroleum Institute's inventory data showed domestic crude stocks last week fell much more than expected.

The industry group said crude inventories fell 5.2 million barrels as refinery utilization rose 1.2 percentage points in the week to July 15.

On the New York Mercantile Exchange, crude for August delivery CLQ1 was up $2.10, or 2.19 percent, at $98.03 a barrel, by 5:15 p.m. EDT (2215 GMT).

CBOT-SOYBEANS-Soybean futures on the Chicago Board of Trade closed lower, retreating from early strength after some updated weather forecasts called for milder weather in the U.S. Midwest next week, traders said.

But weather worries also underpinned the market. Crop scout Michael Cordonnier left his U.S. soybean yield forecast unchanged at 42.5 bushels per acre but said this week's heatwave would leave the crop more vulnerable to additional hot and dry weather in the coming weeks.

FCPO-KUALA LUMPUR, July 19 (Reuters) - Malaysia palm oil futures climbed 0.9 percent on Tuesday on concerns of hot weather affecting U.S. grain crops and talk of higher exports.

The health of U.S. corn and soybean crops have declined more than expected last week as drier weather affected key growing areas and stunted development of late planted fields, according to a government report.

This could stem falling prices of palm oil that competes with soyoil for use in food and fuel sectors. Palm oil has fallen almost 18 percent so far this year on ample stocks as well as jittery markets on account of debt default threats in U.S. and Europe.

The benchmark October crude palm oil contract KPOc3 on Bursa Malaysia Derivatives settled up 29 ringgit at 3,107 ringgit ($1,031) a tonne. Earlier in the session, it hit the lowest since July 13.

Overall traded volume stood at 26,793 lots of 25 tonnes each, compared to the usual 25,000 lots.

REGIONAL EQUITIES-COLOMBO, July 19 (Reuters) - Expectations of strong bank results and foreign buying drove Thailand's stock market up in high volume, but other markets in Southeast Asia were mixed on Tuesday as investors worried about sovereign debt problems in the United States and Europe.

Bangkok enjoyed a net foreign inflow of $96.7 million, the highest since July 5, Reuters data showed, as foreign investors bought into Thai stocks and helped push up the baht

Malaysia closed 0.4 percent weaker as financials fell, led by a 1.4 percent loss in CIMB Group CIMB.KL.

Trader's Highlight

DJI-NEW YORK, July 18 (Reuters) - U.S. stocks dropped on Monday as bank shares bore the brunt of investor frustration over governments' inability to solve debt crises in the United States and Europe.

With five days to go before President Barack Obama's deadline for a debt ceiling deal and no agreement in sight, Republicans and Democrats were crafting a fallback plan to avert a U.S. default.

The Dow Jones industrial average .DJI dropped 94.57 points, or 0.76 percent, to 12,385.16. The Standard & Poor's 500 Index .SPX declined 10.70 points, or 0.81 percent, to 1,305.44. The Nasdaq Composite Index .IXIC fell 24.69 points, or 0.89 percent, to 2,765.11.

NYMEX-NEW YORK, July 18 (Reuters) - U.S. crude futures fell more than 1 percent on Monday on worries about the stalled debt-limit negotiations among Washington policymakers and as the debt crisis in the euro zone was feared worsening further.

Worries about the euro zone debt situation caused the euro to fall against the dollar, which rose against a basket of currencies.

On the New York Mercantile Exchange, crude for August delivery CLc1 settled at $95.93 a barrel, down $1.31, or 1.35 percent, after trading between $94.69 to $97.69.

CBOT-SOYBEANS-U.S. soybean futures on the Chicago Board of Trade closed mostly lower on forecasts for slightly less threatening heat in the Midwest crop belt, traders said.

Relief from extremely hot temperatures in the U.S. Corn Belt is expected by late this week as a high-pressure ridge breaks down, allowing cooler and damper weather into the crop-growing region - World Weather Inc.

FCPO-KUALA LUMPUR, July 18 (Reuters) - Malaysian palm oil futures fell 1.2 percent on Monday as weaker overseas soy complex weighed on market sentiment at the time when stocks are growing.

Palm oil inventories in the world's No. 2 producer hit 18-month highs in June as strong production due to favourable weather outpaced sluggish overseas demand. Traders expected stocks in July to stay above 2 million

The benchmark October crude palm oil contract KPOc3 on Bursa Malaysia Derivatives settled down 37 ringgit to close at 3,078 ringgit ($1,024) per tonne.

Overall traded volume was 22,876 lots of 25 tonnes each, below the usual 25,000 lots.

REGIONAL EQUITIES-COLOMBO, July 18 (Reuters) - Stocks in Indonesia and the Philippines closed at record highs on Monday, outperforming most of their Southeast Asian peers, despite worries about mounting U.S. and euro zone debt problems which are driving investors from riskier assets in much of the rest of the world.

While many investors scaled back activity amid the global uncertainty, other remained positive on fast growing regional economies such as Indonesia .JKSE and the Philippines .PSI, which saw $36 million and $9.8 million of foreign inflows during the day, respectively.

Key stock indexes in Malaysia .KLSE and Singapore .FTSTI closed 0.9 percent and 0.2 percent lower, respectively.

Trader's Highlight

DJI-NEW YORK, July 15 (Reuters) - Google's blowout quarter led the Nasdaq higher on Friday but mounting uncertainty about the government's ability to reach a debt-reduction deal may keep investors at bay in the coming week.

The gains were a bright spot in a stretch dominated by selling that pushed the S&P 500 down in its worst week in five. Worries about U.S. and European government debt troubles put pressure on the market even as investors expect a batch of strong earnings next week.

The Dow Jones industrial average .DJI rose 42.61 points, or 0.34 percent, to end at 12,479.73. The Standard & Poor's 500 Index .SPX gained 7.27 points, or 0.56 percent, to finish at 1,316.14. The Nasdaq Composite Index .IXIC advanced 27.13 points, or 0.98 percent, to close at 2,789.80.

NYMEX-NEW YORK, July 15 (Reuters) - U.S. crude futures rose on Friday, lifted by lower oil supplies from Canada and higher U.S. equities, to post their third straight weekly gains, outweighing the day's bleak economic reports.

In early trading, crude futures were supported by Wall Street higher opening on strong earnings from Citibank Inc C.N and Google Inc GOOG.N

On the New York Mercantile Exchange, crude for August delivery CLQ1 settled at $97.24a barrel, gaining $1.55, or 1.62 percent, trading $95.21 to $97.74.

CBOT-SOYBEANS-Chicago Board of Trade soybean futures closed higher on outlooks for heat and dryness in the United States next week that may harm the soybean crop.

Hot and dry weather is expected in the U.S. corn and soybean growing area for at least five to seven days with readings well into the 90s F and little rainfall. This will increase stress on crops.

FCPO-KUALA LUMPUR, July 15 (Reuters) - Malaysian palm oil futures retreated on Friday on expectations of higher supply and an uncertain global economic outlook.

Traders largely ignored strong export data, focusing instead on the debt crises in the euro zone and the United States that may slow global economic growth.

Intertek Testing Services reported Malaysian palm oil exports rose 12 percent for July 1-15 compared to a month ago. Another cargo surveyor said exports during the same period rose 4.6 percent.

Malaysia's June palm oil stocks hit an 18-month high of 2.05 million tonnes, and traders predict the figure will rise more as planters push the harvest before the Muslim festival of Eid Al-fitr in August.

The benchmark September crude palm oil contract KPOc3 on the Bursa Malaysia Derivatives exchange fell 0.9 percent to 3,116 ringgit ($1,038) a tonne. Overall traded volume was light at 22,251 lots of 25 tonnes each, compared to the usual 25,000 lots.

REGIONAL EQUITIES-SINGAPORE, July 15 (Reuters) - Indonesian and Philippine stocks on Friday rose on optimistic earnings expectations in the financial sector, while Malaysian stocks were under pressure after a warning of a U.S. credit rating downgrade by Standard & Poor's hurt industrial shares.

South East Asian stock market activity was subdued with trading volumes in markets below their 30-day moving averages.

Worries about a potential debt default in developed economies kept investors' appetite for riskier assets at bay, Asia's relatively robust earnings outlook may keep attracting capital flows, analysts said

Malaysian stocks .KLSE ended down 0.16 percent led by falls in industrial names, while Singapore shares .FTSI dipped.

Still, southeast Asian stocks are not free from risk-off mode on worries about the global economic slowdown and fiscal problems in the euro zone and the United States, analysts said.

Trader's Highlight

DJI-NEW YORK, July 14 (Reuters) - U.S. stocks fell on Thursday as Fed Chairman Ben Bernanke backed off hints additional near-term stimulus could be on the way, removing a possible catalyst from a market already facing plenty of obstacles.

Technology shares led the market lower and the Nasdaq fell 1 percent, reversing early gains while the market's favored indicator of anxiety, the CBOE Volatility Index .VIX, rose 4.5 percent and hit a two-and-a-half week high.

The Dow Jones industrial average .DJI slid 54.49 points, or 0.44 percent, to close at 12,437.12. The Standard & Poor's 500 Index .SPX shed 8.85 points, or 0.67 percent, to finish at 1,308.87. The Nasdaq Composite Index .IXIC dropped 34.25 points, or 1.22 percent, to end at 2,762.67.

NYMEX-NEW YORK, July 14 (Reuters) - U.S. crude futures fell more than 2 percent on Thursday, snapping two days of gains as Federal Reserve Chairman Ben Bernanke dampened expectations that more monetary easing was on the way.

On the second day of delivering the Fed's semiannual monetary policy report to Congress, Chairman Ben Bernanke repeated the central bank is prepared to act if the modest recovery from the recession falters. but he also made clear the Fed is not at that point now.

On the New York Mercantile Exchange, August crude CLQ1 fell, $2.36, or 2.41 percent, to settle at $95.69 per barrel, trading from $94.53 to $98.88. Thursday's slip was the biggest one-day percentage loss since July 8, when front-month crude fell 2.5 percent.

CBOT-CHICAGO, July 14 (Reuters) - U.S. soybean futures on the Chicago Board of Trade closed higher on Thursday on technical buying and as traders exited long corn/short soybean spreads, brokers said.

Market underpinned by forecasts for hot and dry weather in the U.S. Midwest starting this weekend that may threaten some of the crops, especially corn.

China's soybean imports in 2011/12 are likely to rise nearly 10 percent from a year earlier, after an expected mild increase in 2010/11 - COFCO official. [nL3E7IE1B2]

Dollar weakness helped lift values early, but soybeans held firm as the dollar cut losses and crude oil turned down after Federal Reserve Chairman Ben Bernanke doused market speculation that another round of monetary easing was on the way.

REGIONAL EQUITIES-BANGKOK, July 13 (Reuters) - Southeast Asian stock markets gained on Wednesday as Chinese economic growth data eased some fears about a global slowdown and resource shares advanced in line with the improving outlook for commodity demand from the world's second-largest economy.

The region snapped a two-day losing streak, also helped by bargain-hunting in recently beaten-down banks as their reporting season kicks off this month and strong consumption suggests a favourable outlook in the financial sector.

Stocks in the Philippines .PSI, Thailand .SETI and Indonesia .JKSE climbed over 1 percent, with others posting more limited gains.

Light trading volume in some markets reflected signs of caution as debt problems continued to cloud prospects in the euro zone. Indonesia, Malaysia .KLSE and the Philippines have all pulled back after setting all-time highs early this month.

Trader's Highlight

DJI-NEW YORK, July 13 (Reuters) - U.S. stocks stopped a three-day slide on Wednesday, but the market is likely to get hit in the coming session after Moody's said it could cut the United States' prized triple-A credit rating.

Stock index futures dropped sharply after Moody's Investors Service said it may cut the United States' triple-A rating due to the rising chance its $14.3 trillion debt ceiling may not be raised by the Aug. 2nd deadline. Failure to increase the country's borrowing limit in time would result in a U.S. default, which could roil financial markets.

The Dow Jones industrial average .DJI rose 44.73 points, or 0.36 percent, to close at 12,491.61. The Standard & Poor's 500 Index .SPX gained 4.08 points, or 0.31 percent, to 1,317.72. The Nasdaq Composite Index .IXIC advanced 15.01 points, or 0.54 percent, to 2,796.92.

NYMEX-NEW YORK, July 13 (Reuters) - U.S. crude futures ended higher for a second straight day on Wednesday, lifted by U.S. Federal Reserve Chairman Ben Bernanke's remarks signaling more stimulus might be coming if the economy weakens and by data showing a larger-than-expected drop in crude stocks.

The U.S. Federal Reserve is ready to ease monetary policy further if economic growth and inflation slow much more, Bernanke said, giving a boost to the bruised stock market.

On the New York Mercantile Exchange, August crude CLQ1 rose 62 cents, or 0.64percent, to settle at $98.05 a barrel, having traded from $96.53 to $99.21.

CBOT-SOYBEANS-Chicago Board of Trade soybean futures closed higher on spillover support from gains in corn as hot weather threatened to trim crop output.

Support to soybeans also stemming from the possibility of more fiscal stimulus
measures in the United States, a weak dollar and higher crude oil.


FCPO-KUALA LUMPUR, July 13 (Reuters) - Malaysian palm oil futures rebounded on Wednesday as a U.S. government report showing tight grain stocks owing to rising biofuel use spurred concerns over the prospect of limited food supplies.

A U.S. Department of Agriculture report showed corn stocks have hovered near 15-year lows for longer than expected due to the grain's use in making ethanol, lifting vegetable oils that are also used in other competing renewable fuels.

High stocks in Malaysia however are expected to weigh on palm oil prices although the vegetable oil's rising discount to competing soyoil has prevented the market from going below 3,000 ringgit a tonne in the short term.

Cash refined, bleached and deodorised (RBD) palm olein's discount to soyoil has widened to $170 a tonne, the highest since November 2008, Reuters data showed.
The benchmark September crude palm oil contract KPOc3 on the Bursa Malaysia Derivatives exchange rose 48 ringgit, or 1.6 percent, to close at 3,082 ringgit ($1,016.50) per tonne.

Overall traded volume stood at 21,582 lots of 25 tonnes each, well below the usual 25,000 lots.

REGIONAL EQUITIES-BANGKOK, July 13 (Reuters) - Southeast Asian stock markets gained on Wednesday as Chinese economic growth data eased some fears about a global slowdown and resource shares advanced in line with the improving outlook for commodity demand from the world's second-largest economy.

The region snapped a two-day losing streak, also helped by bargain-hunting in recently beaten-down banks as their reporting season kicks off this month and strong consumption suggests a favourable outlook in the financial sector.

Among actively traded stocks, Thai lender Kasikornbank KBAN.BK climbed 1.6 percent, Singapore's United Overseas Bank UOBH.SI gained 1.1 percent and the Philippines' second-biggest lender by assets, Metropolitan Bank & Trust Co MBT.PS, jumped 3.3 percent.

Trader's Highlight

DJI-NEW YORK, July 12 (Reuters) - U.S. stocks closed lower for their third day in a row on Tuesday as Europe's fiscal woes and a weak start to tech earnings gave investors little reason to buy following equities' worst day in a month.

The Dow Jones industrial average .DJI fell 58.88 points, or 0.47 percent, to end unofficially at 12,446.88. The Standard & Poor's 500 Index .SPX slipped 5.85 points, or 0.44 percent, to finish unofficially at 1,313.64. The Nasdaq Composite Index .IXIC lost 20.71 points, or 0.74 percent, to close unofficially at 2,781.91.

NYMEX-NEW YORK, July 12 (Reuters) - U.S. crude futures pared gains in post-settlement trading on Tuesday after the American Petroleum Institute reported a surprise increase of 2.3 million barrrels in domestic crude inventories last week.

The report came after U.S. crude futures settled higher, snapping two days of losses.
Traders had expected that weekly inventory reports would show a stock draw. Analysts polled by Reuters had expected the data to show crude stockpiles fell by 1.8 million barrels.

On the New York Mercantile Exchange, August crude CLQ1 was up $1.48, or 1.56 percent at $96.63 a barrel at 5:02 p.m. EDT (2102 GMT). It had settled at $97.43, gaining $2.28, or 2.4 percent, after trading between $93.55 and $97.50.

CBOT-SOYBEANS-Soybean futures at the Chicago Board of Trade closed higher, led by spillover strength from corn and crude oil, traders said.

Concerns about forecasts for hot weather in the U.S. Midwest crop belt added support.

FCPO-KUALA LUMPUR, July 12 (Reuters) - Malaysian palm oil futures fell 1.3 percent on Tuesday, trailing weaker overseas equity and commodity markets, as worries over euro zone debt's crisis triggered a sell-off.

Oil, copper and grains markets tumbled on Monday as worry that the euro zone debt crisis could spill over into Italy bumped the dollar up against the euro, hurting prices of dollar-denominated commodities. Palm oil exports are priced in U.S. dollars.

The benchmark September crude palm oil contract KPOc3 on Bursa Malaysia Derivatives settled down 39 ringgit to 3,034 ringgit ($1,008) per tonne.

Overall traded volume stood 26,227 lots 25 tonnes, slightly above the usual 25,000 lots.

REGIONAL EQUITIES-BANGKOK, July 12 (Reuters) - Southeast Asian stock markets continued to slide on Tuesday as fears that the euro zone debt crisis could spread dampened appetite for global risk assets while lower oil prices prompted selling in resource and commodities shares.

Indonesia's main share index .JKSE dropped 1.4 percent after hitting a record high on Friday. Jakarta is Asia's top market this year as strong domestic consumption has bolstered its economic outlook amid global uncertainty.

Stocks in Singapore .FTSTI, Thailand .SETI and Vietnam .VNI dropped over 1 percent while Malaysia .KLSE and Philippine shares .PSI posted smaller losses.

Market players expect regional central banks to tighten policy to combat inflation as economies expand.

Trader's Highlight

DJI-NEW YORK, July 11 (Reuters) - U.S. stocks suffered their worst day in nearly a month on Monday as concern about the stalemate in U.S. budget talks and growing debt problems in the euro zone prompted investors to hedge against further losses.

The S&P 500 dropped nearly 2 percent on concerns that Europe's debt crisis would spread to Italy. European officials were still struggling to solve Greece's fiscal problems as Italy's markets have been roiled by worry about its banks.

The Dow Jones industrial average .DJI was down 151.44 points, or 1.20 percent, at 12,505.76 at the close. The Standard & Poor's 500 Index .SPX was down 24.31 points, or 1.81 percent, at 1,319.49. The Nasdaq Composite Index .IXIC was down 57.19 points, or 2.00 percent, at 2,802.62.

NYMEX-NEW YORK, July 11 (Reuters) - U.S. crude oil futures fell for a second straight session on Monday on renewed worries of a demand slowdown, as investors feared the euro zone debt crisis would hit Italy and China's crude oil imports fell in June.

The euro zone worries pushed the U.S. dollar higher against the euro, prompting risk aversion among commodities investors.

On the New York Mercantile Exchange, U.S. crude for August delivery CLQ1 settled at $95.15 a barrel, down $1.05, or 1.09 percent, after trading between $94.14 and $96.75. It was the lowest settlement since July 1's close at $94.94

CBOT-SOYBEANS-Chicago Board of Trade soybean futures closed lower on a soaring dollar as well as plunging crude oil and equities due to renewed worries about the global economy.

Renewed concerns that Europe's debt crisis would spread, an increase in Chinese inflation and an impasse on budget talks in Washington converged to jolt investors after Friday's shockingly weak jobs report.

FCPO-KUALA LUMPUR, July 11 (Reuters) - Malaysia palm oil futures fell on Monday, weighed by stocks that hit an 18-month high last month and lacklustre exports.

But losses were limited thanks to firmer competing soyoil markets that gained on concerns that hotter weather in U.S. Midwest may affect the soy crop.

The benchmark September crude palm oil contract KPOc3 on Bursa Malaysia Derivatives fell 0.1 percent to 3,074 Malaysian ringgit ($1,027)a tonne, reversing gains made earlier in the day.

Overall traded volume was a tad lower at 18,760 lots of 25 tonnes each, compared to the usual 25,000 lots.

There could now be more selling pressure after Malaysian Palm Oil Board data showed Malaysia's June palm oil stocks climbed to an 18-month high of 2.05 million tonnes

REGIONAL EQUITIES-BANGKOK, July 11 (Reuters) - Southeast Asian stock markets retreated on Monday as investors cashed in gains in financials and big-caps after weak global economic data, including poor U.S. job figures, with caution ahead of interest rate decisions in Indonesia and Thailand underpinning the trend.

Volume was generally low. Indonesia, Malaysia and the Philippines all saw turnover fall short of their 30-day average.

Stocks in Malaysia .KLSE edged down 0.4 percent after climbing at one point to all-time highs. Indonesia .JKSE and the Philippines .PSI, which set record highs last week, drifted lower on the day.

Singapore .FTSTI fell 1.1 percent and Thai shares .SETI dropped 1.03 percent. The Thai market surged 4.5 percent last week and was Southeast Asia's best performer, helped by the initial reaction to a landslide election win by the opposition Puea Thai Party, which removed some political uncertainty.

Trader's Highlight

DJI-NEW YORK, July 8 (Reuters) - U.S. stocks fell on Friday as a weak jobs report dashed optimism that the economy was emerging from a soft patch, leaving investors to hope earnings season would revive an appetite for buying.

The sell-off was broad and halted an eight-day streak for the Nasdaq, though stocks ended off their lows. U.S. employers added only 18,000 workers in June, short of even the lowest forecast, jolting buyers who had rushed into the market after some encouraging labor-market figures earlier in the week.

Despite the day's drop, the three major U.S. stock indexes ended higher for the week. The market is coming off a string of gains that reflected increased hope for an economic rebound and a strong earnings season.

The Dow Jones industrial average .DJI slipped 62.29 points, or 0.49 percent, to 12,657.20 at the close. The Standard & Poor's 500 Index .SPX shed 9.42 points, or 0.70 percent, to 1,343.80. The Nasdaq Composite Index .IXIC dropped 12.85 points, or 0.45 percent, to 2,859.81.

NYMEX-NEW YORK, July 8 (Reuters) - U.S. crude futures ended 2.5 percent lower on Friday, their biggest one-day percentage loss in two weeks, as a disappointing jobs report for June stoked more worries about oil demand.

Oil futures fell along with copper and other commodities such as coffee and cocoa, as did U.S. equities, reeling from the jobs report and as the dollar rose.

On the New York Mercantile Exchange, crude for August delivery CLc1 settled at $96.20a barrel, down $2.47, or 2.5 percent, after trading between $95.60 and $99.18.

CBOT-SOYBEANS-Soybean futures on the Chicago Board of Trade closed higher, following strength in the corn market amid concerns about hotter and drier weather in the U.S. Midwest, traders said.

Front-month CBOT soybeans Sc1 ended the week up 2.2 percent. Trade remained light, extending a week-long trend. Volume in soybean futures was down more than one-third from the prior 30-day average.


FCPO-JAKARTA, July 8 (Reuters) - Palm oil futures touched the highest level since the end of June on Friday, boosted by technical buying and higher prices for comparative oils ahead of industry data from No. 2 producer Malaysia next week.

The benchmark September crude palm oil contract KPOc3 on the Bursa Malaysia Derivatives settled up 0.7 percent at 3,077 ringgit ($1,023) a tonne. Earlier, prices touched a high at 3,110 ringgit.


REGIONAL EQUITIES-BANGKOK, July 8 (Reuters) - Southeast Asian stock markets gained on Friday as optimism about U.S. jobs data later in the day increased investor appetite, with inflows sending Indonesian stocks to record highs and Thai stocks faring best on the week in a post-election rally.

Volume picked up in some markets as investors anticipated the U.S. data would show signs the world's biggest economy was recovering from a soft patch. Turnover in Singapore surged to 1.6 times the 30-day average as shares rose for a second day.

Major markets posted limited gains on the week, partly due to a technical-led pullback following surges, including record highs by Malaysia, the Philippines and Indonesia.

A Kuala Lumpur-based dealer said sentiment in Malaysia was positive as investors took the decision by Malaysia's central bank to hold interest rates as making equities more attractive.

Trader's Highlight

DJI-NEW YORK, July 7 (Reuters) - U.S. stocks closed sharply higher and the Nasdaq notched an eighth day of gains on Thursday as improved labor market and retail sales data added to optimism a day before the critical June payrolls report.

Equities have been on a tear recently as improving economic data and a potential resolution to Greece's fiscal issues paved over fears of slowing growth and contagion stemming from the euro zone's debt crisis.

The Nasdaq's 8.3 percent gain over the past eight trading sessions is the most for the index in two years and the S&P's 6.7 percent rise is its best since September 2010, as the market reacted to news of the Fed's second round of stimulus. The Dow is up 6.6 percent over the same period.

The Dow Jones industrial average .DJI shot up 93.47 points, or 0.74 percent, to 12,719.49. The Standard & Poor's 500 Index .SPX gained 14 points, or 1.05 percent, to 1,353.22. The Nasdaq Composite Index .IXIC climbed 38.64 points, or 1.36 percent, to 2,872.66.

NYMEX-NEW YORK, July 7 (Reuters) - U.S. crude futures ended 2 percent higher on Thursday as data on better-than-expected private sector hiring, jobless claims and retail sales reports fueled hopes that economic growth was on the rebound.

Brent crude futures pushed more than 4 percent higher, lifting Brent's premium to U.S. crude CL-LCO1=R above $20 a barrel intraday.

The positive economic data overshadowed government oil inventory data that showed crude stocks fell only 889,000 barrels last week, much less than expected

On the New York Mercantile Exchange, August crude CLQ1 rose $2.02, or 2.09 percent, to settle at $98.67 a barrel, trading from $96.99 to $99.42, highest intraday since front-month crude reached $99.95 on June 15.

CBOT-SOYBEANS-Soybean futures on the Chicago Board of Trade closed higher on concerns about forecasts for warmer and drier weather in the U.S. Midwest, traders said.

A drop in the U.S. dollar index added support, along with spillover from higher crude oil prices.

But trade was light for a third straight session, with volume in soybean futures about one-third below the prior 30-day average.

FCPO-JAKARTA, July 7 (Reuters) - Malaysian palm oil futures extended gains late on Thursday, supported by technical buying and investor positioning ahead of key stock data next week, with gains capped by a rate hike in top palm importer China.

The benchmark September crude palm oil contract KPOc3 on Bursa Malaysia Derivatives ended 0.8 percent higher at 3,054 Malaysian ringgit ($1,014) a tonne. Earlier, prices touched a high at 3,064 ringgit.

Traded volume for the September contract was thin at 10,052 lots of 25 tonnes each, versus 13,473 lots on Wednesday.

REGIONAL EQUITIES-BANGKOK, July 7 (Reuters) - Most Southeast Asian stock markets gained on Thursday as investors looked for bargains from regional blue chips and banks, while Singapore's property developers rose as hopes of a pause in policy tightening by China eased concerns over growth.

Market players returned to beaten-down emerging markets, reversing a two-day fall in stocks in Singapore .FTSTI, Indonesia .JKSE and Thailand .SETI. Malaysia .KLSE pushed to a record high at one point before ending a tad lower.

After the market close, Malaysia's central bank held interest rates steady at 3 percent, surprising financial markets which had been betting on a rise, as the authorities braced for growth to slow due to weaker global demand.

In Singapore, property shares rose as easing concerns over China's economic growth led investors to find value in the sector, led by a 1.7 percent climb in the biggest developer CapitaLand CATL.SI.

Trader's Highlight

DJI-NEW YORK, July 6 (Reuters) - Transportation stocks were among the standouts in another flat session for U.S. equities on Wednesday, and the sector's rally could be cause for optimism ahead.

Broader gains were limited as a downgrade of Portugal's credit rating weighed on banking shares, while a rate hike in China loomed as another concern for investors. However, the Nasdaq rose for its seventh straight day, extending its rally to 6.8 percent.

The Dow Jones Transportation Average .DJT rose 1.2 percent and hit a new closing high at 5,566.07. The gains were led by Con-Way Inc CNW.N, which added 5.7 percent to $41.87 after the U.S. trucking company said it was restoring some employee benefits because the economy had improved.

The Dow Jones industrial average .DJI was up 56.15 points, or 0.45 percent, at 12,626.02. The Standard & Poor's 500 Index .SPX was up 1.34 points, or 0.10 percent, at 1,339.22. The Nasdaq Composite Index .IXIC was up 8.25 points, or 0.29 percent, at 2,834.02.

NYMEX-NEW YORK, July 6 (Reuters) - U.S. crude oil futures turned positive in post-settlement trading on Wednesday after data from the American Petroleum Institute showed domestic crude stocks fell last week by much more than expected.

The industry group said crude stocks dropped by 3.2 million barrels in the week to July 1, against forecasts for a 2.3-million-barrel drawdown in a Reuters poll of analysts.

On the New York Mercantile Exchange, crude for August delivery CLQ1 at 5:03 p.m. EDT (2103 GMT) was up 2 cents at $96.91 a barrel. It had settled at $96.65, off 24 cents or 0.25 percent, after trading between $95.90 and $97.79.

CBOT-SOYBEANS-Chicago Board of Trade soybean futures ended narrowly mixed as spillover pressure from corn and favorable U.S. crop weather offset support from technical buying and short-covering, traders said.

Additional pressure from news that China raised interest rates which lifted the dollar and pressured crude oil. Improving U.S. crop conditions and favorable weather lend pressure.

FCPO-JAKARTA, July 6 (Reuters) - Malaysian palm oil futures fell on Wednesday and hit a new eight-month low as investors factored in a higher output cycle and worries about weaker demand in the second half of the year.

The benchmark September crude palm oil contract KPOc3 on Bursa Malaysia Derivatives closed 0.4 percent lower at 3,029 ringgit ($1,006) a tonne. Earlier, prices touched a low at 3,016 ringgit -- a level not seen since Oct. 27, 2010.

Traded volume for the September contract was 13,473 lots of 25 tonnes each, versus 13,871 lots on Tuesday.

Malaysian palm oil stocks are likely to have risen 11.3 percent to near record levels in June as strong production and imports outpaced local and overseas demand, a Reuters poll showed on Tuesday. [nL3E7I40WH]

Palm oil prices fell almost 20 percent in the first half of this year, pressured by expectations for stocks to soar above 2 million tonnes at a time when output in Southeast Asia is growing and overseas demand is likely to slow.

Industry regulator Malaysian Palm Oil Board will issue official data on palm oil output, stocks, imports and exports on Monday.

REGIONAL EQUITIES-BANGKOK, July 6 (Reuters) - Most Southeast Asian bourses fell on Wednesday as renewed debt worries in the euro zone hurt sentiment, with the initial buying spree in Thai stocks after last weekend's election stalling as the market waited for the formation of a new government.

The sell-off came in light to moderate volume and was accompanied by modest capital inflows in some, including the Philippines and Vietnam.

Moody's downgrade of Portugal's credit rating ate into appetite for risky assets across Asia. After the close, China raised interest rates for the third time this year.[nB9E7EM01R] Speculation about a rise had hurt regional markets on Tuesday.

The Thai SET index .SETI dropped 1.1 percent to 1,072.68, with Singapore .FTSTI and others posting smaller losses.

Bucking the trend, Malaysia's benchmark .KLSE gained 0.6 percent to an all-time high of 1,591.34 amid buying in big caps, including palm plantation firm IOI Corp IOIB.KL, which climbed nearly 1 percent.

Trader's Highlight

DJI-NEW YORK, July 5 (Reuters) - U.S. stocks ended a thinly traded session mostly flat on Tuesday as investors paused after last week's surge, though continually light volume suggested the market could encounter more choppy trading.

The Nasdaq closed higher for its sixth straight day, helped by strength in Netflix, while the Dow and the S&P 500 ended five-day streaks that marked the best week for equities in two years.

The S&P gained 5.6 percent last week, rebounding from weakness over the past two months, but concerns about economic growth and the U.S. debt ceiling could temper gains in coming days.

The Dow Jones industrial average .DJI was down 12.90 points, or 0.10 percent, at 12,569.87. The Standard & Poor's 500 Index .SPX was down 1.79 points, or 0.13 percent, at 1,337.88. The Nasdaq Composite Index .IXIC was up 9.74 points, or 0.35 percent, at 2,825.77.

NYMEX-NEW YORK, July 5 (Reuters) - U.S. crude oil futures rose more than 2 percent on Tuesday, bouncing back after a long holiday weekend, as commodities rose on demand optimism.

Barclays Capital raised its 2012 price forecast for Brent and U.S. crude, while Saudi Arabia reduced just slightly the price of oil it sells to Asian customers, both helping to improve sentiment.

In addition, U.S. factory orders rose in May and commodities buyers looked forward to improved oil demand for the second half of the year.

On the New York Mercantile Exchange, crude for August delivery CLQ1 settled at $96.89 a barrel, gaining $1.95, or 2.05 percent, after trading between $94.34 and $97.48, the highest for front-month NYMEX crude since June 15.

CBOT-SOYBEANS-Chicago Board of Trade soybean futures closed higher for a second straight session, led by a strong recovery in corn and wheat prices, traders said.

Gains in crude oil and precious metals also helped lift soy complex futures. Gains limited by disappointing weekly export data. USDA reported export inspections of U.S. soybeans in latest week at 4.515 million bushels, below trade estimates for 7 million to 11 million

FCPO-JAKARTA, July 5 (Reuters) - Malaysian palm oil futures traded lower in a tight trading range on Tuesday, touching a fresh eight-month low as output entered into a higher production cycle and lukewarm demand pushed prices lower.

The benchmark September crude palm oil contract KPOc3 on Bursa Malaysia Derivatives closed down 0.3 percent at 3,040 ringgit ($1,012) a tonne, after earlier touching a low at 3,023 ringgit.

Traded volume for the September contract was 13,871 lots of 25 tonnes each, versus 11,449 lots on Monday.

REGIONAL EQUITIES-BANGKOK, July 5 (Reuters) - Most Southeast Asian stock markets retreated on Tuesday, with Indonesia and Malaysia pulling back from record highs reached the day before and Thailand dipping after the surge that followed its general election at the weekend.

Trading volume fell below 30-day average for most markets, reflecting weakness elsewhere in Asia after five consecutive days of gains.

A pick-up in demand for risky assets from last week softened on speculation about a rate rise in China this weekend, as well as a Moody's report that the scale of problem loans at local governments in China may be much bigger than thought.
The MSCI Singapore index .MISG00000PSG is 11 percent below its average.

Among actively traded stocks in Southeast Asia, Indonesia's biggest firm by market value and main vehicle distributor, Astra International ASII.JK, dropped 3.2 percent and Malaysia's Public Bank PUBM.KL 0.5 percent.

Singapore's Oversea-Chinese Banking Corp OCBC.SI lost nearly 2 percent and Thai Kasikornbank KBAN.BK 1.1 percent.

Trader's Highlight

FCPO-JAKARTA, July 4 (Reuters) - Malaysian palm oil futures bounced back on Monday from a low last hit in October last year, supported by firm crude prices, although investors expect further weakness due to a higher output cycle in the second half.

The benchmark September crude palm oil contract KPOc3 on Bursa Malaysia Derivatives closed 0.5 percent higher at 3,050 ringgit ($1,013) a tonne, after earlier touching a high at 3,084 ringgit.

Traded volume for the September contract was thin at 11,449 lots of 25 tonnes each, versus 14,526 lots on Friday.

REGIONAL EQUITIES-BANGKOK, July 4 (Reuters) - Thai stocks jumped nearly five percent on Monday after the opposition Puea Thai party won the weekend general election in a landslide, removing some political uncertainty from the market.

The result boosted foreign inflows to $348 million, the biggest so far this year, with strong demand for big-cap bank and energy stocks.

The benchmark SET index .SETI surged 4.7 percent to 1,090.28, the highest since May 12, outperforming smaller gains in other Southeast Asian markets, including Singapore .FTSTI and Indonesia .JKSE.

Trader's Highlight

DJI-NEW YORK, July 1 (Reuters) - U.S. stocks started July with a bang on Friday with Wall Street scoring its best week in two years on strong manufacturing data that eased concerns about slowing growth.

The data spurred the rally into a fifth straight day, even as continued light trading volume called into question the sustainability of the gains. Investors were growing more optimistic a day after a temporary resolution to Greece's debt situation. The S&P 500 .SPX climbed further above resistance at its 50-day moving average at 1,317, establishing another floor in the market after the benchmark index moved above a number of technical resistance levels.

The Dow Jones industrial average .DJI was up 168.43 points, or 1.36 percent, at 12,582.77. The Standard & Poor's 500 Index .SPX was up 19.03 points, or 1.44 percent, at 1,339.67. The Nasdaq Composite Index .IXIC was up 42.51 points, or 1.53 percent, at 2,816.03.

NYMEX-NEW YORK, July 1 (Reuters) - U.S. crude futures fell on Friday, ending three days of gains, as soft Chinese factory data sparked fresh demand worries, but a report of strong U.S. manufacturing activity underpinned the market.

A late flurry of short-covering ahead of the three-day July 4th U.S. holiday weekend also limited losses. Pre-holiday trading volume was light.

On the New York Mercantile Exchange, crude for August delivery CLQ1 settled at $94.94a barrel, falling 48 cents, or 0.5 percent, after trading between $93.45 to $95.39.

CBOT-SOYBEANS-Soybean futures on the Chicago Board of Trade closed higher on a short-covering rebound after Thursday's decline and ahead of long U.S. holiday weekend, traders said.

U.S. markets will be closed on Monday for the Independence Day holiday. Traders unwinding long corn/short soybean spreads in the wake of Thursday's USDA stocks and acreage reports.

Market also reacting to USDA's downward adjustment in U.S. 2011 soybean plantings, which would indicate tight domestic supplies during 2011/12. Soybeans Sc1 ended the week up 0.3 percent, following net declines in the previous three weeks.

FCPO-KUALA LUMPUR, July 1 (Reuters) - Malaysian palm oil futures hit their lowest in more than eight months on Friday, tracking falling overseas markets after key US data showed higher-than-expected crop prospects and stock levels.

The U.S. Agriculture Department's annual acreage and quarterly grain stocks reports showed ample supplies despite months of fretting over dwindling stockpiles that drove corn prices to record highs in recent weeks.

The soy market was pressured after the USDA reported U.S. June 1 soybean stocks at 619 million bushels, above the average trade estimate of 596 million bushels.

The benchmark September crude palm oil contract KPOc3 on Bursa Malaysia Derivatives ended 1.2 percent lower at 3,035 ringgit ($1,005.133) a tonne, after touching 3,031 ringgit, the lowest level since October 27.

Overall traded volume was 26,914 lots of 25 tonnes each, slightly above the usual 12,500 lots.

Palm oil prices, which had lost almost 20 percent in the first half of this year, are further pressured by expectations for stocks to soar above 2 million tonnes at a time when output is growing and overseas demand is likely to slow.

REGIONAL EQUITIES-BANGKOK, July 1 (Reuters) - Major Southeast Asian stock markets climbed on Friday, led by consumer and financial sectors as fears of a sovereign default by Greece faded and foreign investors returned to emerging Asian stocks.

Trading volume was light, however, with turnover falling well below the 30 day average across the region, albeit with positive foreign fund flows into several markets, including the Philipines .PSI.

Indonesia's main share index scaled an all-time high for the second session, climbing 1 percent. Indonesia is Asia's best performer this year, followed by the Philippines.

Singapore banks advanced after positive loan growth in May and cheered by new banking rules announced by the Monetary Authority of Singapore. They were more benign than expected and banks are likely to meet the requirements comfortably.

DBS Bank DBSM.SI, United Overseas Bank UOBH.SI and Oversea-Chinese Banking Corp OCBC.SI all advanced around 1 percent.

Trader's Highlight

DJI-NEW YORK, June 30 (Reuters) - U.S. stocks ended a volatile quarter on Thursday with their biggest four-day rally since September as positive economic data and a temporary resolution of Greece's debt crisis indicated further gains in July.

Midwest business activity showed surprising strength this month, lifted by a jump in new orders, the Institute for Supply Management-Chicago said. That helped calm concerns about the economy that have weighed on markets for two months.

The Dow Jones industrial average .DJI was up 152.92 points, or 1.25 percent, at 12,414.34. The Standard & Poor's 500 Index .SPX was up 13.23 points, or 1.01 percent, at 1,320.64. The Nasdaq Composite Index .IXIC advanced 33.03 points, or 1.21percent, at 2,773.52.

NYMEX-NEW YORK, June 30 (Reuters) - U.S. crude futures ended higher for a third straight day on Thursday, but finished 7 percent lower on the month and the quarter down more than 10 percent, the biggest quarterly loss since the end of 2008.

End-of-quarter trading made the session volatile, traders and brokers said. A weak dollar, Greece's passage of an austerity plan and supportive Midwest manufacturing data lent support to crude prices, along with a higher finish by expiring July refined products contracts.

Uncertainty about the effect of consumer nations' release of oil reserves and lingering worries about slowing economic growth limited price strength.

On the New York Mercantile Exchange, crude for August delivery CLQ1 ended up 65 cents, or 0.69 percent, at $95.42 a barrel, having traded from $93.88 to $95.82.

CBOT-SOYBEANS-Soybean futures on the Chicago Board of Trade fell 2 percent, led by a limit drop in corn and several wheat contracts and bearish data in reports from the U.S. Department of Agriculture, traders said.

CBOT soybeans Sc1 ended down 5.1 percent for June, the biggest monthly drop since May 2010.

CBOT soybeans ended the second quarter down 7.4 percent, the worst performance since the first quarter of 2010, and fell 6.3 percent for the first half of 2011.

FCPO-KUALA LUMPUR, Jun 30 (Reuters) - Malaysian palm oil futures fell 1.2 percent on Thursday as traders booked profit on concerns that lower-than-expected exports data and high production could lead to record stocks.

Although cargo surveyors reported Malaysia's palm oil exports in June rose above 1.4 million tonnes -- representing a six percent growth from May -- output is likely to rise at much faster pace thanks to favourable weather.

The benchmark September crude palm oil contract KPOc3 on Bursa Malaysia Derivatives fell 37 ringgit to 3,072 ringgit ($1,012.024) a tonne. Overall traded volume stood at 22,711 lots of 25 tonnes each, lower than the usual 25,000 lots.

REGIONAL EQUITIES-BANGKOK, June 30 (Reuters) - Southeast Asian stock markets pushed higher on Thursday amid a broad rebound in risky assets helped by the Greek parliament's initial vote for an austerity package to tackle debt problems, spurring demand for big-caps at the end of the quarter.

Foreign money flowed into the region, sending stocks in Indonesia .JKSE and Malaysia .KLSE to all-time highs, with shares elsewhere making strong gains.

Half-year window-dressing particularly helped lift blue-chips and boosted turnover in several markets, including Singapore, which saw volume rising to 1.7 times the 30-day average.

Singapore's blue chips posted strong gains on the day, including a 1.8 percent rise in top lender DBS Group Holding DBSM.SI and a 2.3 percent climb in Singapore Telecommunications STEL.SI, the city state's top telecom firm.