Friday, October 28, 2011

Trader's Highlight

DJI-NEW YORK, Oct 27 (Reuters) - U.S. stocks surged 3 percent on Thursday as an agreement by European leaders to help contain the region's two-year debt crisis lifted a cloud hovering over markets.

Optimism that a deal would be struck to prevent widespread financial distress fueled the market's rebound in October. The S&P 500 is up more than 13 percent this month, on pace for its biggest monthly gain since October 1974.

The Dow Jones industrial average <.DJI> was up 339.51 points, or 2.86 percent, at 12,208.55. The Standard & Poor's 500 Index <.SPX> was up 42.59 points, or 3.43 percent, at 1,284.59. The Nasdaq Composite Index <.IXIC> was up 87.96 points, or 3.32 percent, at 2,738.63.

NYMEX-NEW YORK, Oct 27 (Reuters) - U.S. crude futures jumped more than 4 percent on Thursday, propelled by Europe's latest plans to tackle its debt problems, supportive U.S. economic data and the dollar's weakness as the euro rallied.

Euro zone leaders struck a deal with private banks and insurers for them to accept a 50 percent loss on their Greek government bonds in a plan to lower Greece's debt burden and try to contain the currency bloc's crisis.

On the New York Mercantile Exchange, December crude rose $3.76, or 4.17 percent, to settle at $93.96 a barrel, trading from $90.74 to $94.25.

CBOT-SOYBEANS-Soybean futures on the Chicago Board of Trade ended up more than 2 percent, the biggest rise in two weeks, buoyed by a drop in the U.S. dollar after European leaders agreed on a plan to solve the region's debt crisis, traders said.

The U.S. dollar index <.DXY> was down nearly 1.9 percent by 1:20 p.m. CDT (1820 GMT), lifting a range of commodities. U.S. crude oil futures were up nearly 4 percent.

FCPO-JAKARTA, Oct 27 (Reuters) - Malaysian palm oil futures rose to a five-week high on Thursday, as a euro zone debt deal boosted investor sentiment, with higher crude prices and lower output expectations offering additional support.

Benchmark January palm oil futures on the Bursa Malaysia Derivatives Exchange closed 1 percent higher at 2,980 Malaysian ringgit ($952) a tonne, after having earlier touched 3,007, a high not seen since Sept. 22.

Traded volumes for the January palm contract stood at 13,281 lots of 25 tonnes each, compared with 14,264 lots on Tuesday, before Wednesday's holiday in Malaysia for the Hindu Diwali festival of lights.


REGIONAL EQUITIES-Oct 27 (Reuters) - Southeast Asian stock markets gained on Thursday and foreigners were active buyers as a euro zone deal to lower Greece's debt burden and boost the zone's rescue fund increased investors' appetite for risk.[ID:nL5E7LR04T]

AB Capital Securities equities analyst Jose Vistan said the worst-case scenario may have been avoided but the boost to confidence may be temporary.

Singapore <.FTSTI>, outperforming the region, jumped 2.8 percent to a seven-week high led by banks and property shares with the day's trading volume jumping to 1.84 percent of its 30-day average.

Indonesia enjoyed foreign inflows of $66.2 million and Manila $12.7 million. Thailand saw net offshore buying of $39.2 million and Malaysia $85.6 million.

The day's trading volume in Kuala Lumpur was 1.65 percent of its 30-day average and 1.43 percent in Jakarta.

In Singapore, property firms with exposure to China jumped on hopes that Beijing may loosen policy after Premier Wen Jiabao pledged to maintain appropriate credit growth.

Singaporean banks also helped the overall market to gain with top lender DBS rising 2.8 percent and Oversea-Chinese Banking Corp and United Overseas Bank adding 1.9 percent.

Thursday, October 27, 2011

Trader's Highlight

DJI-NEW YORK, Oct 26 (Reuters) - U.S. stocks rose on Wednesday as the slow progress from European leaders in resolving their debt crisis was enough to satisfy investors, even if early reports from an EU summit were short on detail.

The euro zone aims to leverage its 440 billion euro bailout fund "several fold," but details are not expected until November, according to a draft statement obtained by Reuters.

The Dow Jones industrial average <.DJI> gained 162.42 points, or 1.39 percent, to 11,869.04. The Standard & Poor's 500 Index <.SPX><.INX> rose 12.94 points, or 1.05 percent, to 1,241.99. The Nasdaq Composite Index <.IXIC> added 12.25 points, or 0.46 percent, to 2,650.67.

NYMEX-NEW YORK, Oct 26 (Reuters) - Oil prices fell on Wednesday as concerns about rising U.S. inventories added to caution about Europe's ability to agree on a plan to address the debt crisis.

U.S. oil futures dropped 3 percent, leading the complex lower and widening the contract's discount to European Brent crude by nearly $1, partially retracing two days of heavy selling on the spread.

ICE Brent crude for December fell $2.01 to settle at $108.91 a barrel. U.S. December crude traded down $2.97, settling at $90.20 a barrel.

CBOT-SOYBEANS-Soybean futures on the Chicago Board of Trade fell as the dollar firmed on worries about the outcome of a crucial European Union summit seeking solutions to the euro zone debt crisis, traders said. Spillover weakness from crude oil, corn and wheat added pressure.

FCPO-JAKARTA, Oct 25 (Reuters) - Malaysian palm oil futures rose to a near one-month high on Tuesday, buoyed by export data and expectations of lower output, with additional support from optimism over a possible solution to the euro zone's debt problems.

Uncertainty about just how close European Union leaders will come to solving the euro zone debt crisis kept many markets trading in a tight range on Tuesday.

Benchmark January palm oil futures on the Bursa Malaysia Derivatives Exchange ended 2.1 percent higher at 2,951 Malaysian ringgit ($941) a tonne, their highest since Sept. 26.

Traded volumes for the January palm contract stood at 14,264 lots of 25 tonnes each, compared with 12,213 lots on Monday.

REGIONAL EQUITIES-HONG KONG, Oct 26 (Reuters) - Southeast Asian stocks were mixed on Wednesday as Indonesia eked out gains with foreign investors continuing to tiptoe back but caution over a euro zone debt summit later in the day.

Public holidays in Singapore and Malaysia kept regional market turnover light.

Thailand's benchmark stock index <.SETI> ended the day down 0.4 percent as the country's worst flooding in five decades threatened Bangkok.

Indonesia's market <.JKSE> closed up 0.8 percent, helped by a 5.5 percent bounce for
state-controlled PT Perusahaan Gas Negara Tbk (PGN) on the firm's plan to lift prices and improve margins.

Monday, October 24, 2011

Trader's Highlight

DJI-NEW YORK, Oct 21 (Reuters) - The S&P 500 posted its third straight week of gains on Friday, lifted by optimism before this weekend's summit of European leaders and strong earnings from blue-chip stocks.

U.S. stocks rose in a broad rally to their highest levels since early August after a volatile week.

The Dow Jones industrial average <.DJI> was up 267.01 points, or 2.31 percent, at 11,808.79. The Standard & Poor's 500 Index <.SPX> was up 22.86 points, or 1.88 percent, at 1,238.25. The Nasdaq Composite Index <.IXIC> was up 38.84 points, or 1.49 percent, at 2,637.46.

NYMEX-NEW YORK, Oct 21 (Reuters) - U.S. crude oil futures ended higher on Friday to post a third straight week of gains, helped by renewed hope for a solution to the euro zone debt crisis, though France and Germany differed on how to reach that goal.

Bickering between the two European powers is forcing EU leaders to meet twice -- on Sunday and Wednesday -- to try to draw a comprehensive strategy to resolve the crisis.

On the New York Mercantile Exchange, crude for December delivery settled at $87.40 a barrel, rising $1.33, or 1.55 percent, after trading between $85.95 and $88.89.

CBOT-SOYBEANS-Soybean futures on the Chicago Board of Trade fell as
traders liquidated long positions amid uncertainty ahead of a
weekend European Union debt-crisis summit, traders said.

Traders exited long soy/short corn positions and unwound bull-spreads as well as selling outright long positions in soybeans.

FCPO-KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 21 (Reuters) - Malaysian palm oil futures inched up on Friday as investors waited for a weekend meeting of euro zone leaders for signs of resolving the region's debt crisis that could plunge the world into recession if left unchecked.

Palm oil futures are set for their smallest weekly gain in October with prices see-sawing this week on conflicting reports over European governments reaching a deal to contain the crisis that could slow economic growth and commodity demand.

Benchmark January palm oil futures on the Bursa Malaysia Derivatives Exchange settled up 0.6 percent to 2,883 ringgit ($921.292) before going as high as 2,903 percent.

Traded volumes were light at 21,057 lots of 25 tonnes each, compared to the usual 25,00 lots as most of the market was cautious ahead of the European summit.

REGIONAL EQUITIES-BANGKOK, Oct 21 (Reuters) - Singaporean and Thai stocks edged up on Friday as better-than-expected earnings lured buyers to big caps but others in Southeast Asia gave up early gains as fund flows to the region slowed ahead of a European summit on Sunday.

A choppy trading session, with markets moving in a narrow range, reflected nervousness over the long-running saga of the euro zone's debt problems.

Singapore's Straits Times Index <.FTSTI> and Thailand's SET index <.SETI> gained almost 1 percent, led by a 1.9 percent rise in Singapore rig builder Keppel Corp Ltd and a 4.5 percent surge in top Thai lender Bangkok Bank Pcl .

Stocks in Indonesia <.JKSE>, Malaysia <.KLSE> and the Philippines <.PSI> ended flat. Vietnam <.VNI> climbed 1.8 percent, adding to Thursday's 0.6 percent rise.

Indonesia and Malaysia reported outflows on Friday of $34 million and 5 million ringgit ($1.6 million) respectively, while the Philippines had $1.9 million in inflows, Thomson Reuters and stock exchange data showed.

Friday, October 21, 2011

Breaking News-RTRS - Palm oil output at 300,000 T in 2011- Bakrie Sumatera

JAKARTA, Oct 20 (Reuters) - Palm oil output at Indonesia's Bakrie Sumatera will rise by more than 35 percent this year to 300,000 tonnes, Ambono Janurianto, chief executive at the planter, said on Thursday.
Earlier this year, the Bakrie Group's agricultural unit forecast 2011 output at 280,000 tonnes compared with 220,000/230,000 tonnes last year.
The production rise was due to some plantations coming into peak yield, Janurianto said in February.

Trader's Highlight

DJI-NEW YORK, Oct 20 (Reuters) - U.S. stocks and the euro rose on Thursday after France and Germany said they would press ahead to solve the euro zone debt crisis, despite setbacks that meant the details might not be settled at a weekend European Union summit.

France and Germany confirmed in a joint statement that euro zone leaders will discuss a solution at the summit on Sunday.

At the close, the Dow Jones industrial average <.DJI> was up 37.16 points, or 0.32 percent, at 11,541.78. The Standard & Poor's 500 Index <.SPX> was up 5.51 points, or 0.46 percent, at 1,215.39. The Nasdaq Composite Index <.IXIC> was down 5.42 points, or 0.21 percent, at 2,598.62.

NYMEX-NEW YORK, Oct 20 (Reuters) - U.S. crude oil futures ended lower for a second day on Thursday, pressured by liquidations ahead of the front-month November crude contract's expiration and economic data pointing to slow growth.

Existing home sales fell in September, but initial jobless claims declined last week while mid-Atlantic factory activity rebounded in October, economic data showed.

On the New York Mercantile Exchange, the November crude contract expired and settled at $85.30 a barrel, down 81 cents, or 0.94 percent, after trading from $84.10 to $86.94.

CBOT-SOYBEANS-Soybean futures on the Chicago Board of Trade fell for a fourth straight day on the unwinding of long soy/short corn spreads and disappointing weekly U.S. export sales, traders said.

The spot CBOT soybean/corn spread rose 71-1/2 cents per bushel last week, with soy outgaining corn, but has given back about 58 cents since then as traders booked profits.

FCPO-KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 20 (Reuters) - Malaysian palm oil futures dropped on Thursday as investors' avoided risky assets on concerns that a key European leaders' summit may not reach a consensus on the debt crisis in the region.

Losses, however, were limited as market players came back later in the session as the market was seen as oversold.

Palm oil prices have see-sawed for this week on conflicting reports over European governments reaching a deal to contain the crisis and recapitalise banks in the region.

Benchmark January palm oil futures on the Bursa Malaysia Derivatives Exchange settled down 0.9 percent at 2,866 Malaysian ringgit ($923). The contract earlier fell to an intra-day low of 2,822 ringgit, coming close to a one-week low hit on Tuesday.

Traded volumes stood at 31 lots of 25 tonnes each, compared to the usual 12,500 lots as more market players returned to take up positions.

REGIONAL EQUITIES-BANGKOK, Oct 20 (Reuters) - Southeast Asian stock markets fell on Thursday as investors cut exposures to riskier assets across the board ahead of a key European leaders' summit on Sunday, with flood concerns sending Thai stocks to their lowest in almost two weeks.

The region has been choppy this week with jitters over the progress of European efforts to avoid sovereign debt defaults. Market players appeared wary of news flows about euro zone debts and booked quick gains, but most stayed on the sidelines.

Singapore <.FTSTI> fell nearly 1 percent and Malaysia <.KLSE> eased 0.6 percent, both to around one-week lows. Indonesia <.JKSE> and the Philippines <.PSI> snapped Wednesday's rebounds, ending down 1.7 percent and 0.6 percent respectively.

Thursday, October 20, 2011

Trader's Highlight

DJI-NEW YORK, Oct 19 (Reuters) - U.S. stocks fell and the euro edged lower on Wednesday after optimism faded that European leaders will make substantial progress on resolving the euro zone debt crisis at their summit meeting this weekend.

The Federal Reserve's Beige Book report suggested the U.S. ecomomic outlook grew dimmer in September, also sapping sentiment.

The Dow Jones industrial average <.DJI> fell 72.43 points, or 0.63 percent, to end at 11,504.62. The Standard & Poor's 500 Index <.SPX> was down 15.50 points, or 1.26 percent, at 1,209.88. The Nasdaq Composite Index <.IXIC> was down 53.39 points, or 2.01 percent, at 2,604.04.

NYMEX-NEW YORK, Oct 19 (Reuters) - U.S. crude fell more than 2 percent on Wednesday as persistent concerns about Europe's debt problems offset supportive U.S. government inventory data showing crude oil stocks fell sharply last week.

Plans to tackle the euro zone debt crisis have stalled with Paris and Berlin at odds over how to increase the firepower of the region's bailout fund.

On the New York Mercantile Exchange, November crude fell $2.23, or 2.52 percent, to settle at $86.11 a barrel, having swung from $85.87 to $89.51.

CBOT-SOYBEANS-Soybean futures on the Chicago Board of Trade fell 2.1percent, their third straight lower close, as traders took profits by unwinding long soybean/short corn spreads, traders said.

Front-month CBOT soybeans gained more than 71 cents over spot corn last week, driven by bullish soy data in USDA's Oct. 12 supply/demand report and a Goldman Sachs note that predicted soybean prices would out-grain corn.

FCPO-KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 19 (Reuters) - Malaysian palm oil futures bounced on Wednesday on improving sentiment after a news report said European policy makers will increase financial firepower to resolve the region's debt woes.

Although euro zone officials denied the reported agreement to increase the bailout fund by five-fold, global financial markets rose on expectations that a deal was imminent.

Benchmark January palm oil futures on the Bursa Malaysia Derivatives Exchange settled up 2 percent to 2,892 ringgit ($922). The previous day, the contract dropped to 2,817 ringgit -- the lowest since Oct. 11.

Traded volumes stood at 29,646 lots of 25 tonnes each, compared to the usual 25,000 lots as more market players took up positions.

REGIONAL EQUITIES-BANGKOK, Oct 19 (Reuters) - Stocks in Indonesia, Malaysia and the Philippines rose on Wednesday but concerns about the euro zone debt crisis capped gains and helped pull down other markets in Southeast Asia, with weakness in bank stocks further depressing Thailand.

In general, bargain-hunting lent support to the region but trading volume was light and dominated by short-term traders.

Malaysia <.KLSE> and the Philippines <.PSI> gained 0.7 percent and 0.9 percent respectively. Singapore <.FTSTI>, Thailand <.SETI> and Vietnam <.VNI> lost 0.2 percent, 1.5 percent and 0.8 percent respectively.

Singaporean oil rig builder Sembcorp Marine Ltd rose as much as 4.2 percent, lifted by news a subsidiary had won a $100 million contract in Australia. Malaysia's oil and gas services provider Kencana Petroleum Bhd rose 3.7percent.

Wednesday, October 19, 2011

Trader's Highlight

DJI-NEW YORK, Oct 18 (Reuters) - U.S. stocks surged late in trading on Tuesday as buyers latched onto another report of agreements to strengthen the euro zone's rescue fund to bid up stocks aggressively.

All three major indexes rose sharply after a Britain's Guardian newspaper said France and Germany will increase the euro zone's rescue fund to 2 trillion euros as part of a plan to resolve the sovereign debt crisis.

The Dow Jones industrial average <.DJI> ended up 180.05 points, or 1.58 percent, at 11,577.05. The Standard & Poor's 500 Index <.SPX> was up 24.52 points, or 2.04 percent, at 1,225.38. The Nasdaq Composite Index <.IXIC> was up 42.51 points, or 1.63percent, at 2,657.43.

NYMEX-NEW YORK, Oct 18 (Reuters) - U.S. crude oil futures gained more than 2 percent on Tuesday, rebounding sharply from Monday's loss, as Wall Street rose on bank earnings, that overshadowed slower Chinese growth and Europe's debt troubles.

In early trade, prices fell as China's third quarter growth rate came in as the slowest pace in two years and Moody's warned it may slap a negative outlook on France's triple-A credit rating.

On the New York Mercantile Exchange, crude for November delivery settled at $88.34 a barrel, gaining $1.96, or 2.27 percent, after trading between $85.55 and $88.61. The contract expires on Thursday.

CBOT-SOYBEANS-Soybean futures on the Chicago Board of Trade ended modestly lower on renewed concerns about the global economy, a lack of fresh demand news and favorable soy planting weather in South America, traders said.

Growth in top soy buyer China slowed in the third quarter to its weakest pace since early 2009.

FCPO-KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 18 (Reuters) - Malaysian palm oil futures dropped to their lowest in a week on Tuesday as Europe's debt problems continue to fester and China reported slightly slower economic growth, raising concerns of slower commodity demand.

The market extended losses for a second day after Germany's finance minister cautioned on Monday that a definitive solution would not be reached at the Oct. 23 European union summit and Moody's warned France of a negative outlook.

Benchmark January palm oil futures on the Bursa Malaysia Derivatives Exchange settled down 1.4 percent to 2,835 ringgit ($919). Earlier in the session, the contract dropped to 2,817 ringgit -- the lowest since Oct. 11.

Traded volumes stood at 26,981 lots of 25 tonnes each, compared to the usual 25,000 lots.

REGIONAL EQUITIES-BANGKOK, Oct 18 (Reuters) - Southeast Asian stock markets pulled back on Tuesday as big caps and commodity stocks gave up recent gains on concern about prospects for Europe to contain its debt crisis and a slowdown in Chinese growth.

The selling that ended the region's rally of the past week came in light trading volume. Short-term traders and trading portfolios that dominated recent buying appeared to cash in quick gains, traders said.

Stocks in Singapore <.FTSTI>, Thailand <.SETI> and Malaysia <.KLSE> each fell almost 2 percent on Tuesday while the Philippines <.PSI> and Vietnam <.VNI> were down more than one percent.

Among actively traded stocks, Singapore's oil rig maker Keppel Corp Ltd fell 4.4 percent, one of the hardest hit in the Straits Times Index, as investors took profit from cyclical stocks that were more volatile and oil prices fell.

Tuesday, October 18, 2011

Trader's Highlight

DJI-NEW YORK, Oct 17 (Reuters) - U.S. stocks suffered their worst loss in two weeks on Monday after comments from Germany's finance minister caused investors to fear Europe's solution to its debt crisis may not come fast enough.

The S&P index had risen for two straight weeks for the first time since July, riding a wave of euphoria built on optimism that European leaders had a newfound commitment to tackle a crisis that threatened financial stability and global growth.

The Dow Jones industrial average <.DJI> was down 246.58 points, or 2.12 percent, at 11,397.91. The Standard & Poor's 500 Index <.SPX> was down 23.72 points, or 1.94 percent, at 1,200.86. The Nasdaq Composite Index <.IXIC> was down 52.93 points, or 1.98 percent, at 2,614.92.

NYMEX-NEW YORK, Oct 17 (Reuters) - U.S. crude oil futures fell on Monday as investors were dismayed by German finance minister's forecasts that an EU summit this weekend would not present a definitive solution to the region's debt crisis, curbing investors' risk appetite.

The euro fell against the dollar after Wolfgang Schaeuble's comments as it dashed recent hopes that a durable solution to the region's troubles could be attained soon.

On the New York Mercantile Exchange, crude for November delivery settled at $86.38 a barrel, down 42 cents, or 0.48 percent, after trading between $85.88 and $88.18.

CBOT-SOYBEANS-Chicago Board of Trade soybean futures fell 1.5 percent, snapping a five-session winning streak due to pressure from the ongoing U.S. harvest, traders said.

A firm dollar that weighed heavily on all commodities also added pressure to the soybean market, which rose 10 percent last week.

FCPO-KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 17 (Reuters) - Malaysian palm oil futures ended down 1.3 percent on Monday, falling sharply from an earlier three-week high after comments from the German finance minister and also on expectations of a larger U.S. soybean crop for crushing into edible oil.

Palm oil prices, which gained five percent last week, came under pressure along with other commodities after Germany's Finance Minister said European governments would not present an ultimate solution for the debt crisis this week.

Benchmark January palm oil futures on the Bursa Malaysia Derivatives Exchange rose as much as 1.1 percent to 2,946 ringgit -- the highest since Sept. 2.

The contract then gave up all its gains and more to settle 1.3 percent lower at 2,876 ringgit, with sell orders coming in the last minute.

REGIONAL EQUITIES-BANGKOK, Oct 17 (Reuters) - Southeast Asian stock markets gained on Monday amid hopes that euro zone policy makers will come up with a plan to solve the region's debt woes, with resource shares rising with commodity prices and lower interest rates lifting Indonesian developers.

Markets in the region hit multi-week highs, along with regional currencies, as investors flush with cash after a sell-off in the previous quarter plucked up the nerve to return.

Malaysian shares <.KLSE> climbed 1.6 percent to the highest in more than five weeks. Stocks in Singapore <.FTSTI>, Thailand <.SETI>, Indonesia <.JKSE> and the Philippines <.PSI> gained more than 1 percent to the highest in more than 3 weeks.

Monday, October 17, 2011

Trader's Highlight

DJI-NEW YORK, Oct 14 (Reuters) - Global stocks and the euro rallied on Friday over growing optimism that Europe is on track to resolve its festering sovereign debt crisis and after data showed a surprising surge in U.S. retail sales.

The benchmark S&P 500 posted back-to-back weekly gains for the first time since early July while the euro headed for its best week in nine months against the U.S. dollar and gold marked its biggest weekly rise in six weeks.

The Dow Jones industrial average <.DJI> closed up 166.36 points, or 1.45 percent, at 11,644.49. The Standard & Poor's 500 Index <.SPX> gained 20.92 points, or 1.74 percent, at 1,224.58. The Nasdaq Composite Index <.IXIC> added 47.61 points, or 1.82 percent, at 2,667.85.

NYMEX-NEW YORK, Oct 14 (Reuters) - U.S. crude oil futures settled at a three-week high on Friday, regaining strength after two days of losses, on a jump in retail sales and rising hopes that the euro zone debt crisis would be contained.

U.S. monthly retail sales rose 1.1 percent in September, better than forecast, and adding to recent data showing that the economy was on the mend, although slowly.

On the New York Mercantile Exchange, crude for November delivery settled at $86.80 a barrel, rising $2.57, or 3.05 percent, the highest close since Sept. 20, when prices ended at $86.89

CBOT-SOYBEANS-Soybean futures on the Chicago Board of Trade closed higher for a fifth straight session, buoyed by a setback in the U.S. dollar, firm cash markets and hopes that China might buy more U.S. soy, traders said.

Market also lifted by long soy/short corn spreading amid tightening U.S. soybean stocks.

FCPO-JAKARTA, Oct 14 (Reuters) - Malaysian palm oil futures extended gains to hit a two-week high on Friday and posted a near 5 percent increase this week, as a positive export outlook and expectations of Chinese soy re-stocking, offset economic uncertainty.

Benchmark December palm oil futures on the Bursa Malaysia Derivatives Exchange closed up 2.2 percent at 2,906 Malaysian ringgit ($925) a tonne.

Traded volumes were 10,894 lots of 25 tonnes each, versus 8,095 lots on Thursday.

REGIONAL EQUITIES-BANGKOK, Oct 14 (Reuters) - Most Southeast Asian stock markets gained on Friday as hopes of progress on the euro zone's debt problems helped ease concerns about the global economy and flood-hit Thai stocks steadied.

Investors locked in quick profits in some markets that pulled stocks in Malaysia <.KLSE> and Indonesia <.JKSE> slightly lower, while Singapore <.FTSTI> erased some of its early gains, ending up 0.4 percent.

Flows were mixed, with Jakarta reporting $19 million in outflows, Kuala Lumpur taking in 108 million ringgit ($34.5 million) in inflows and Bangkok posting $21.8 million in inflows, according to Thomson Reuters and stock exchange data.

Singapore's central bank eased monetary policy on Friday by containing the future pace of gains in its currency.

Friday, October 14, 2011

Trader's Highlight

DJI - NEW YORK, Oct 13 (Reuters) - The Dow and S&P 500 slipped on Thursday after JPMorgan's earnings and China's soft trade data revived worries about the impact of slower growth on profits.

The declines put an end to three straight days of gains that capped off a 12 percent increase in the S&P 500 since hitting a low on Oct. 4. The Nasdaq stayed in positive
territory, helped by semiconductor shares.

The Dow Jones industrial average <.DJI> fell 40.72 points, or 0.35 percent, to end at 11,478.13. The Standard & Poor's 500 Index <.SPX> shed 3.59 points, or 0.30 percent, to 1,203.66. But the Nasdaq Composite Index <.IXIC> gained 15.51 points, or 0.60 percent, to close at 2,620.24.

NYMEX - NEW YORK, Oct 13 (Reuters) - U.S. crude futures fell a second straight session on Thursday as soft economic data from China and a report showing rising crude stockpiles in the United States offset drops in product stocks that helped lift heating oil and gasoline futures.

China's trade surplus narrowed for a second straight month in September to $14.5 billion, with both imports and exports lower than expected, reflecting global economic weakness and domestic cooling.

On the New York Mercantile Exchange, November crude fell $1.34 to settle at $84.23 a barrel, trading from $83.17 to $85.39.

CBOT - SOYBEANS, Soybean futures on the Chicago Board of Trade ended higher for a fourth session, gaining against corn on inter-market spreads a day after the U.S. government trimmed its U.S. soy crop and stocks estimates, traders said.

China, the world's top soy buyer, imported 4.13 million tonnes of soybeans in September, down 11 percent from the year-ago period, Chinese customs data showed. Traders expected imports to pick up for the rest of the year as crushing margins
improve.

FCPO - JAKARTA, Oct 13 (Reuters) - Malaysian palm oil futures closed lower on Thursday as the market booked profits after a U.S. report raised the outlook for grain supply that weighed on food commodities.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture made sharply higher revision to global stocks of nearly every type of grain except or U.S. soybeans that are usually crushed to make competing soyoil.

Benchmark December palm oil futures on the Bursa Malaysia Derivatives Exchange ended 0.7 percent lower at 2,844 Malaysian ringgit ($908) a tonne. The
previous day, the contract hit a near two week high.

REGIONAL EQUITIES - BANGKOK, Oct 13 (Reuters) - Most Southeast Asian stock markets edged up on Thursday as optimism that Europe will take concrete steps to contain its debt woes revived risk appetite but Thai floods hit manufacturing stocks.

Some markets scaled multi-week highs, with active trading volume for most, as foreign funds further built up positions. Malaysia's main share index <.KLSE> climbed 1.15 percent, rising for a third day to a four-week high.

Singapore-listed developers Hongkong Land Holdings Ltd and CapitaMalls Asia Ltd , which have Chinese properties, outperformed the benchmark Straits Times Index <.FTSTI>, boosted by a rally in their Chinese peers listed in
Hong Kong.



Thursday, October 13, 2011

Trader's highlight

DJI -NEW YORK, Oct 12 (Reuters) - World stocks advanced for a sixth straight day on Wednesday and the euro rose against the U.S. dollar after the final nation in the euro zone reached a deal to strengthen a regional bailout fund, boosting investor confidence.

On Wall Street, the benchmark S&P 500 stock index compiled a gain of 9.8 percent over the past seven sessions, its steepest advance since mid-March 2009.

The Dow Jones industrial average <.DJI> added 102.55 points, or 0.90 percent, to 11,518.85. The S&P 500 <.SPX> was up 11.71 points, or 0.98 percent, to 1,207.25. The Nasdaq Composite <.IXIC> rose 21.70 points, or 0.84 percent, to 2,604.73.

NYMEX - NEW YORK, Oct 12 (Reuters) - U.S. crude oil futures closed lower for the first time in six sessions on Wednesday as investors took profits after gains of more than 13 percent during the previous five sessions.

The late bout of profit-taking developed ahead of weekly inventory reports, in which domestic crude inventories were forecast to have increased in the week to Oct. 7.

On the New York Mercantile Exchange, crude for November delivery settled at $85.57 a barrel, falling 24 cents, or 0.28 percent, after trading between $84.52 to $86.59.

CBOT - SOYBEANS, Soybean futures on the Chicago Board of Trade closed higher, the third straight daily rise, after the U.S. Department of Agriculture cut its forecasts of U.S. 2011/12 soy yield and ending stocks.

USDA lowered its forecast of U.S. 2011/12 soy ending stocks to 160 million bushels, from 165 million. The figure was below the average trade estimate of 183 million.

FCPO - SINGAPORE, Oct 12 (Reuters) - Malaysian palm oil futures climbed to a near two-week high on Wednesday, as short covering ahead of a key agriculture report from the United States lifted the market.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) will update its estimates of U.S. corn and soybean crops later in the day, and in the past, such reports have triggered sharp rallies by showing stocks or crops dramatically smaller than trade expectations.

December palm oil futures <0#FCPO:> on the Bursa Malaysia Derivatives Exchange settled 2.3 percent higher at 2,864 ringgit ($911) a tonne. It earlier hit 2,879 ringgit -- the highest since Sept 30.

REGIONAL EQUITIES - BANGKOK, Oct 12 (Reuters) - Southeast Asian stock markets pushed higher on Wednesday as investors bought commodities-related shares, while an Indonesian interest rate cut helped spur buying in banks.

Among bright spots in the region, palm oil stocks gained as Malaysian palm oil futures rose to a one-week high, buoyed by gains in comparative vegetable oils ahead of a key agriculture report from the United States.

Singapore-listed Wilmar International Ltd gained 3.1 percent, Malaysia's IOI Corporation Bhd rose 2.7 percent and Indonesia's PT Astra Agro Lestari Tbk surged 6.5 percent.

Wednesday, October 12, 2011

Trader's Highlight

DJI-NEW YORK, Oct 11 (Reuters) - Wall Street stocks rose on Tuesday as traders took positions in beaten-down shares ahead of the start of the earnings season.

But gains were held in check as investors were cautious before a key vote by Slovakia on expanding the euro zone rescue fund.

The Dow Jones industrial average <.DJI> was up 7.26 points, or 0.06 percent, at 11,440.44. The Standard & Poor's 500 Index <.SPX> added 2.15 points, or 0.18 percent, at 1,197.04. The Nasdaq Composite Index <.IXIC> put on 17.25 points, or 0.6percent, at 2,583.30.

NYMEX-NEW YORK, Oct 11 (Reuters) - U.S. crude futures rose a fifth straight session on Tuesday, pushing up from lows as equities recovered from a weak start and receiving a late lift from news that authorities broke up an alleged plot to bomb Israeli and Saudi Arabian embassies in Washington.

But U.S. crude prices pared gains and briefly turned lower in post-settlement trading on news that Slovakia's government lost a confidence vote called on a plan to bolster the euro zone's EFSF rescue fund, but the package was expected to go through in a later revote because the outgoing prime minister planned to ask for help from the opposition.

On the New York Mercantile Exchange, November crude rose 40 cents, or 0.47 percent, to settle at $85.81 a barrel, $83.97 to $86.64.

CBOT-SOYBEANS-Soybean futures on the Chicago Board of Trade soared 4.8 percent by the closing bell, their biggest single-day rise in a year, as traders covered short positions ahead of a monthly U.S. government crop report, traders said.

Talk that China may have bought six to eight cargoes of soybeans since Friday, mostly from the United States, added support.

FCPO-JAKARTA, Oct 11 (Reuters) - Malaysian palm oil futures closed higher on Tuesday on strong exports, but gains were limited by caution ahead of a key U.S. report this week that could show a rise in soybean stocks, which could mean larger supplies of a competing edible oil.

Any rise in soyoil supply comes as Malaysian palm oil stocks hit a 21 month high in September, potentially pressuring benchmark palm oil futures that have lost more than 25 percent so far this year.

December palm oil futures <0#FCPO:> on the Bursa Malaysia Derivatives Exchange closed up 0.3 percent to 2,801 ringgit ($896) per tonne.

Traded volumes for the December contract stood at 12,761 lots of 25 tonnes each compared with 13,270 lots on Monday.

REGIONAL EQUITIES-BANGKOK, Oct 11 (Reuters) - Southeast Asian stock markets clawed higher on Tuesday, led by financials and commodity-related shares amid cautious optimism that European banks may avert a financial crisis, and Indonesian shares got an additional lift from a surprise interest rate cut.

Trading volume was solid for most of the markets as players picked up recently beaten-down blue chips and foreigners returned.

Malaysia <.KLSE> rose 1.05 percent, Singapore <.FTSTI> edged up 0.9 percent and the Philippines <.PSI> climbed 1.7 percent, each hitting their highest in almost three weeks at one point.

In Singapore, banks outperformed the broader market, as China bought shares in local banks to support stock prices, which eased fears of a hard landing and was seen as an indication its government would support its banking system. DBS Group Holdings Ltd rose 2.5 percent.

Tuesday, October 11, 2011

Trader's Highlight

DJI-NEW YORK, Oct 10 (Reuters) - U.S. stocks jumped 3 percent on Monday, extending gains into a second week as a pledge by German and French leaders boosted hopes that the euro-zone debt crisis may be resolved.

The gains lifted the S&P 500 above its 50-day moving average for the first time since late July, a bullish technical signal. The S&P 500 is now up about 11 percent since its low on Tuesday, when it briefly fell into bear-market territory.

The Dow Jones industrial average <.DJI> surged 330.06 points, or 2.97 percent, to end at 11,433.18. The Standard & Poor's 500 Index <.SPX> climbed 39.43 points, or 3.41 percent, to 1,194.89. The Nasdaq Composite Index <.IXIC> shot up 86.70 points, or 3.50 percent, to close at 2,566.05.

NYMEX-NEW YORK, Oct 10 (Reuters) - U.S. crude rose on Monday for a fourth consecutive session, boosted by the promise from France and Germany to unveil a plan to address the region's debt woes and by a strike that halted Kuwaiti crude oil exports.

The leaders of Germany and France on Sunday promised to unveil new measures to solve the euro zone's debt crisis by the end of the month.

On the New York Mercantile Exchange, November crude rose $2.43, or 2.93 percent, to settle at $85.41 a barrel, trading from $82.75 to $86.09.

CBOT-SOYBEANS-Soybean futures on the Chicago Board of Trade closed up nearly 2 percent, joining a broad rally in commodities after France and Germany said they would come up with a plan to contain the euro zone crisis.

The U.S. dollar index <.DXY> slid nearly 1.6 percent on the news, buoying dollar-denominated commodities including grains and crude oil.

FCPO-JAKARTA, Oct 10 (Reuters) - Malaysian palm oil rose as much as 1.7 percent on Monday, with prices supported by export data in second largest producer Malaysia and hopes that Europe's debt crisis will be resolved soon, but gains were capped by news of rising inventories.

The benchmark December palm oil futures <0#FCPO:> on the Bursa Malaysia Derivatives Exchange closed 0.8 percent higher at 2,793 ringgit ($884) per tonne. It had earlier hit an intraday high of 2,818 ringgit a tonne.

Traded volumes for the December contract stood at 13,270 lots of 25 tonnes each compared with 12,133 lots on Friday.

REGIONAL EQUITIES-Oct 10 (Reuters) - Most Southeast Asian stock markets gained on Monday in thin trade led by commodity-related shares as optimisim over the latest plan to solve the euro zone's debt crisis and positive U.S. job data lifted sentiment.

Thailand <.SETI> and Singapore <.FTSTI> rose 1.5 percent and 1.1 percent respectively, Indonesia <.JKSE> ended 0.7 percent firmer, and the Philippines <.PSI> added 0.8 percent to a three-week high.

Malaysia and the Philippines saw a net outflow of $5.6 million and $7.8 million respectively, while Jakarta's net foreign selling was $0.6 million. Thailand saw an outflow of $3.5 million.

In Singapore, commodity firm Wilmar International gained 3 percent while oil and gas firm STX OSV Holdings jumped 6.6 percent, outperforming the broad market. Malaysia <.KLSE> bucked the trend, closing 0.2 percent weaker.

Monday, October 10, 2011

Breaking News-RTRS - Buyers resell Indonesia crude palm oil after tax change, eye Malaysia

KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 7 (Reuters) - Foreign buyers sold back at least 200,000 tonnes of Indonesian crude palm oil to refiners since mid-September when Jakarta slashed export taxes on the processed grade and made minor cuts for duties on the crude grade, traders said on Friday.
The buyers -- including trading houses and processors -- have switched over to Malaysian crude palm oil from plantations who have not finished their tax free export quota on the grade, traders from Indonesia and Malaysia said.
Malaysia, the world's No.2 producer, imposes very high export taxes on crude palm oil to protect its refining industry but has allowed for firms such as Sime Darby and IOI Corp to export the grade without any duties.

Breaking News-RTRS - ANALYSIS-India could burn fingers with aid to domestic palm refiners

KUALA LUMPUR/NEW DELHI, Oct 7 (Reuters) - India's plan to hike a domestic levy on refined palm oil, designed to protect its refiners from cheaper exports by top palm oil producer Indonesia, will backfire in the absence of rival suppliers to meet the appetite of the south Asian nation.
The world's top edible oil buyer could end up spending more on Indonesian crude palm oil , which has risen as high as $84 over benchmark Malaysian futures after Indonesia raised taxes on the crude in the middle of September.
At the same time, Indonesia halved taxes on refined palm oil so as to boost exports as part of its tax system that aims to encourage downstream industries, secure domestic supplies and reduce volatility in cooking oil prices.

Trader's Highlight

DJI-NEW YORK, Oct 7 (Reuters) - U.S. stocks ended lower on Friday, but European and Asian equities markets mostly finished higher, after several days of gains supported by assurances that European banks would be recapitalized to help deal with a potential debt default by Greece.

After falling on Monday to the worst levels in 13 months, the three major U.S. stock indexes finished Friday's session with gains for the week -- helped by encouraging U.S. jobs data, which prompted some buying late in the day. But those gains quickly vanished as investors switched focus near the close to focus on downgrades of the credit ratings of Spain and Italy.

The Dow Jones industrial average <.DJI> ended Friday down just 20.21 points, or 0.18percent, at 11,103.12. The Standard & Poor's 500 Index <.SPX> fell 9.51 points, or 0.82 percent, at 1,155.46. The Nasdaq Composite Index <.IXIC> dropped 27.47 points, or 1.10 percent, at 2,479.35.

NYMEX-NEW YORK, Oct 7 (Reuters) - Speculators cut their net long positions in U.S. crude oil futures and options in the week to Oct. 4 when prices slipped, data from the U.S. Commodity Futures Trading Commission showed on Friday.

Hedge funds and other large investors reduced their net long positions on the New York Mercantile Exchange by more than 8,500 contracts to end Tuesday at 146,304. U.S. crude oil futures dropped from $84.45 a barrel on Sept. 27 to $75.67 a barrel on Oct. 4.

CBOT-SOYBEANS-Soybean futures on the Chicago Board of Trade fell modestly on Friday, pressured by favorable U.S. harvest weather and spillover from a broader sell-off in commodities after the debt of Italy and Spain was downgraded, traders said.

The U.S. dollar <.DXY>, which had weakened earlier, supporting commodities, reversed course and firmed after the moves by credit rating agency Fitch added to the bad news in Europe's credit and banking crisis.

FCPO-KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 7 (Reuters) - Malaysian palm oil fell on Friday and notched its worst weekly showing since June as short-sellers tapped on concerns of euro zone debt plunging the world into a recession.

The sellers, led by a major Singapore-listed planter with assets in Asia, had earlier pushed the market lower for much of the week. At one point the market hit a one-year low of 2,754 ringgit.

The benchmark December palm oil futures <0#FCPO:> on the Bursa Malaysia Derivatives Exchange settled down 1.3 percent to 2,772 ringgit ($872) per tonne.

Overall traded volumes were light at 21,749 lots of 25 tonnes each from the usual 25,000 lots.

REGIONAL EQUITIES-BANGKOK, Oct 7 (Reuters) - Some Southeast Asian stock markets pushed higher on Friday as buyers picked up commodity-related and big-cap shares following moves by euro zone policymakers to solve the bloc's debt crisis, although trade was cautious ahead of U.S. job data.

The region's markets had a choppy session in light to moderate trading volume, with short-term traders shifting money into selected blue chips that may have been oversold in the recent downturn.

Singapore <.FTSTI> climbed 1.4 percent as a rise in oil prices lifted energy-related stocks, led by a 5.6 percent surge in rig builder Keppel Corp Ltd .

Malaysia <.KLSE> gained 0.5 percent amid optimism about the 2012 budget that was unveiled during the afternoon. Traditionally, stocks in Malaysia rise ahead of budget day on expectations about government spending but fall afterwards, traders said.

Tuesday, October 4, 2011

Trader's Highlight

DJI-NEW YORK, Oct 3 (Reuters) - U.S. stocks slumped in heavy volume to a 13-month low on Monday as investors dumped bank shares on fears that Greece's worsening financial crisis could cause a large European lender to fail.

Investors pegged losses to the sharp fall in Franco-Belgian financial group Dexia , which fell 10 percent after a Moody's warning about its liquidity due to concerns about exposure to Greece.

Markets have feared European officials will be unable to prevent Greece's fiscal crisis from turning into a global banking crisis. Greece said it will miss its deficit targets this year and next, which could limit the country's ability to receive more aid.

The Dow Jones industrial average <.DJI> dropped 258.08 points, or 2.36 percent, to 10,655.30. The S&P 500 <.SPX> fell 32.19 points, or 2.85 percent, to 1,099.23. The Nasdaq Composite <.IXIC> lost 79.57 points, or 3.29 percent, to 2,335.83.

NYMEX-NEW YORK, Oct 3 (Reuters) - U.S. crude oil futures fell
more than 2 percent on Monday to the lowest settlement in 12 months, as fears that Greece might default on its debt outweighed positive U.S. economic data on manufacturing, construction and new vehicle sales.

Crude futures extended losses for a second day after dropping 17 percent for the third quarter, which ended on Friday, the worst performance for U.S. crude since the fourth quarter of 2008, at the height of the financial crisis.

On the New York Mercantile Exchange, crude for November delivery dropped for a second straight day and settled at $77.61 a barrel, falling $1.59, or 2.01 percent, after trading from $76.85 to $79.64. It was the lowest settlement for front-month crude since Sept. 28, 2010, when prices ended at $76.18.

CBOT-SOYBEANS-Soybean futures at the Chicago Board of Trade fell,
extending Friday's sell-off, as a firm dollar prompted more fund
long liquidation, traders said.

Selling also was triggered by forecasts for beneficial harvest weather in the U.S. Midwest, traders said.

FCPO-KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 3 (Reuters) - Malaysian palm oil futures tumbled to one-year lows on Monday on concerns that the euro zone's deepening debt crisis will stall global economic growth and commodity demand.

Palm oil prices, which have lost more than a quarter so far this year, took another hit after funds liquidated their positions in global grains and vegetable oil markets to close up third-quarter books.

Benchmark December palm oil futures <0#FCPO:> on the Bursa Malaysia Derivatives Exchange fell as much as 2.7 percent to 2,827 ringgit ($885.51) a tonne, the lowest since Oct. 8 last year. The contract later settled at 2,845 ringgit. Overall traded volumes stood at 25,008 lots of 25 tonnes each.

REGIONAL EQUITIES-BANGKOK, Oct 3 (Reuters) - Stocks in Indonesia and Thailand tumbled more than 5 percent on Monday, leading the rest of Southeast Asia lower as commodity-related shares were hit by fears about the global economy as the euro zone debt crisis dragged on.

Local currencies weakened as offshore funds cut exposure to the region. The unresolved problems in Europe plus the risk of recession in the United States made investors wary of returning to riskier assets.

World stocks also kicked off the final quarter of the year sharply lower as concern grew that a broad Greek debt default may be in the works after figures showed Athens would miss a deficit target.

By 0923 GMT, the MSCI world equity index <.MIWD00000PUS> was down 1.26 percent while the MSCI's broadest index of Asia Pacific shares outside Japan <.MIAPJ0000PUS> had dropped 3.5 percent.

Commodities-related shares led losers amid a weak outlook
or demand and prices. Thailand's top energy firm, PTT , sank 6.2 percent to the lowest in more than a year.

Malaysia's Petronas Chemicals dropped 1.4 percent and Indonesian coal miner Adaro Energy slid 6.4 percent.

Monday, October 3, 2011

Trader's Highlight

DJI-NEW YORK, Sept 30 (Reuters) - U.S. stocks ended their worst
quarter since the depths of the 2008 credit crisis, crippled by Europe's debt debacle, a U.S. credit downgrade and a sputtering global economy.

A steep slide on Friday closed out a fifth month of losses as weak economic data from China sparked fears of a global economic slowdown while investment bank Morgan Stanley plummeted on concerns about its exposure to European banks.

The Dow Jones industrial average <.DJI> dropped 240.60 points, or 2.16 percent, to 10,913.38. The Standard & Poor's 500 Index <.SPX> fell 28.98 points, or 2.50 percent, to 1,131.42. The Nasdaq Composite Index <.IXIC> lost 65.36 points, or 2.63 percent, to 2,415.40.


NYMEX-NEW YORK, Sept 30 (Reuters) - U.S. crude oil futures slumped more than 3 percent on Friday, posting the weakest quarterly performance since since the fourth quarter of 2008, as concerns about global economic growth pressured oil prices.

Weak manufacturing indicators from China, ongoing concerns about Europe's sovereign debt problems and a stronger dollar helped push oil lower.

On the New York Mercantile Exchange, November crude fell $2.94, or 3.58 percent, to settle at $79.20 a barrel, trading from $78.75 to $83.23.

CBOT-SOYBEANS-Soybean futures on the Chicago Board of Trade fell 4 percent in sympathy with corn after the U.S. Department of Agriculture reported larger-than-expected U.S. Sept. 1 corn stocks, traders said.

CBOT soybeans fell 19 percent for September -- the biggest monthly drop in three years -- and ended the quarter down 9 percent.

FCPO-JAKARTA, Sept 30 (Reuters) - Malaysian palm oil edged slightly higher on Friday, supported by expectations of higher demand for edible oils ahead of an Indian festival, with gains capped by lingering worries over the euro zone debt crisis.

Benchmark December palm oil futures <0#FCPO:> on the Bursa Malaysia Derivatives Exchange ended up 0.24 percent to 2,905 Malaysian ringgit ($914) a tonne.

Traded volumes for the December contract stood at 8,204 lots of 25 tonnes each compared with 16,115 lots on Thursday.

REGIONAL EQUITIES-BANGKOK, Sept 30 (Reuters) - Southeast Asian stock markets ended mixed on Friday, some pulling back from early gains at the end of the worst quarter since October-December 2008 after the European debt crisis and a slowing U.S. economy led to a sell-off as investors cut risk.

Market players remained nervous about a further deterioration and most markets were locked in a narrow range on Friday, with low trading volume.

Among hardest hit, Singapore <.FTSTI> fell 1.2 percent and Thailand <.SETI> lost 1.1 percent. Malaysia <.KLSE> and Vietnam <.VNI> posted more limited losses. Indonesia <.JKSE> edged up 0.3 percent and the Philippines <.PSI> jumped 3.2 percent.

Kuala Lumpur posted 42.3 million ringgit ($13.3 million) in outflows while domestic institution bought a net 107 million Malaysian ringgit ($33.7 million) after steady buying this week, stock exchange data showed.

Singapore slumped 14.5 percent in the quarter, ahead of Malaysia's 12.2 percent, Thailand's 12 percent, Indonesia's 8.7 percent and the Philippines' 6.8 percent.