Last week a massive sell-off in materials and oil forced investors out of high-risk assets, and stocks ended down about 1 percent for the week.
The Dow Jones industrial average <.DJI> was up 45.94 points, or 0.36 percent, at 12,684.68. The Standard & Poor's 500 Index <.SPX> was up 6.09 points, or 0.45 percent, at 1,346.29. The Nasdaq Composite Index <.IXIC> was up 15.69 points, or 0.55percent, at 2,843.25.
NYMEX-NEW YORK, May 9 (Reuters) - U.S. crude oil futures rebounded more than 5 percent to end above $102 a barrel on Monday as droves of bargain hunters entered commodity markets following last week's price plunge.
A sharp rally in gasoline futures due to fears that the flooding of the Mississippi River could affect refineries in Louisiana and Tennessee also helped lift crude.
On the New York Mercantile Exchange, crude for June delivery
CBOT-CHICAGO, May 9 (Reuters) - U.S. soybean ended higher on Monday, with late-session gains fueled by a jump in crude oil and metal futures, traders said.
Corn and wheat also were higher on Monday, in part on weather concerns, adding to support in soybeans.
But the rally in soy was achieved in low volume, with soybean futures posting their lowest volume since Nov. 26, soyoil its lowest volume since May 24 and soymeal its lowest volume since Dec. 31.
FCPO-KUALA LUMPUR, May 9 (Reuters) - Malaysian palm oil futures rebounded from six-month lows on Monday, in line with stronger commodity markets, as solid U.S. payrolls data showed the global economy was on track for recovery although fundamentals for the tropical oil remain uncertain.
Palm oil has lost nearly 15 percent so far this year on rising stocks and still weak demand. It also fell to a six-month low last week along with a broad sell-off in commodities as traders initially fretted over the state of the U.S. economy and reduced risk taking.
The benchmark July crude palm oil contract
REGIONAL EQUITIES-BANGKOK, May 9 (Reuters) - Most Southeast Asian stock markets climbed higher on Monday, regaining some of the ground lost last week when global stocks and commodities tumbled, as solid U.S. payrolls data suggested a recovery in the world's biggest economy was picking up momentum.
Market players appeared to be staying defensive, though, with turnover in Malaysia, Singapore and Vietnam falling below the 30-day average and some bourses seeing mild outflows of foreign funds on the day. Malaysia saw small inflows of $3.22 million, its exchange said.
Stocks in Singapore <.FTSTI> rose 1.3 percent while Malaysia <.KLSE>, the Philippines <.PSI> and Vietnam <.VNI> posted smaller gains.
