Breaking News-RTRS-UPDATE 1-China CNGOIC keeps forecast on corn, soy output

(Adds agriculture ministry on winter wheat)
BEIJING, Nov 12 (Reuters) - China's official grain think tank
maintained its forecast for the country's 2009 corn output at 163
million tonnes, a fall of 1.8 percent from last year, in its
lastest forecast issued on Thursday.
The centre kept its forecast for soybean output unchanged
from last month's estimate of 14.5 million tonnes, which is 6.7
percent lower than last year, said the China National Grain and
Oils Information Centre (CNGOIC).

Breaking News-RTRS-UPDATE 1-Argentine soy, corn estimates steady - exchange

BUENOS AIRES, Nov 11 (Reuters) - Argentina's 2009/10 soy area is seen at a record 19 million hectares, unchanged from the previous weekly forecast despite dry conditions in some areas, the Buenos Aires Grains Exchange said on Wednesday.
Farmers in Argentina, the world's No. 3 soy supplier, have made rapid progress to plant 2009/10 beans in recent days due to warmer, damper weather in the central farming belt, the exchange said in a weekly crop progress report.

Trader's Highlight

DJI-NEW YORK, Nov 12 (Reuters) - The Dow industrials six-day winning streak came to a halt on Thursday as a drop in oil prices pulled energy stocks lower and a guarded outlook from Wal-Mart fanned worries about consumer spending.

Stocks were also undermined by a U.S. dollar rally, as its safe-haven appeal rose after several policymakers around the world warned the economic recovery was fragile.

The Dow Jones industrial average <.DJI> fell 93.79 points, or 0.91 percent, to 10,197.47. The Standard & Poor's 500 Index <.SPX> dropped 11.27 points, or 1.03 percent, to 1,087.24. The Nasdaq Composite Index <.IXIC> lost 17.88 points, or 0.83
percent, to 2,149.02.

NYMEX-NEW YORK, Nov 12 (Reuters) - U.S. crude futures settled nearly 3 percent lower on Thursday as government data confirmed an industry report earlier this week that domestic crude and refined product inventories rose last week.

On the New York Mercantile Exchange, December crude settled down $2.34, or 2.95 percent, at $76.94 a barrel, trading from $76.56 to $79.69.

CBOT-SOYBEANS - November up 18-1/2 cents per bushel at $9.82-1/4. January up 18 at $9.90.

Support from news China bought U.S. soy, forecasts for rains in the U.S. next week that may hurt final soy harvest in the Delta/Southeast, soy/corn spreading and surging soymeal.

CBOT-SOYOIL - December unchanged at 38.37. Pressure from lower crude oil and meal/oil spreading.

FCPO-KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 12 (Reuters) - Malaysian crude palm oil futures ended up 0.5 percent on Thursday due to fears that rainy weather would hit production this month.

The benchmark January contract on Bursa Malaysia Derivatives Exchange settled 10 ringgit up at 2,245 ringgit ($663.4) after going as high as 2,277 ringgit.

REGIONAL EQUITIES-BANGKOK, Nov 12 (Reuters) - Major Southeast Asian stock markets elsewhere were taking a breather after a recent rally, with Singapore's index <.FTSTI> dropping 0.5 percent after climbing for over four days, while Malaysia <.KLSE> inched up 0.1 percent.

In Singapore, Wilmar International fell 2 percent, paring early gains after the world's largest listed palm oil firm said it was optimistic about prospects for the rest of this year after a one-off gain helped it post a better-than-expected 35 percent rise in quarterly profit.

In Kuala Lumpur, palm plantation firm Sime Darby gained 0.1 percent in response to higher Malaysian crude palm oil futures. Malayan Banking fell 0.2 percent before the top lender announced that its first-quarter net profit had risen by more than half as the rebound in Asian economies boosted
fee-based income and its loan book.

NYMEX Crude Daily: Weaken

A long upper shadow candle printed had dampened the immediate technical landscape. Thus, market looks may trade sideways to bias downside potential in near term. Currently, we are looking for the immediate downside support at USD75.00 to USD73.00. To the upside, resistance is pegged at USD82.00

FCPO Daily: Sideways

Market is still hovering sideways yet to break through the tough resistance at 2285. Thus, market looks may continue to consolidate in near term. We continue to look for the immediate upside resistance at 2285-2299 (unfilled gap left over since 2/9/2009) followed by 2335-2352 (gap left over on 1/9/2009). While, downside support is remains pegged at 2215-2200 followed by 2180-2150.

FKLI Daily: Bulls took a breather

Market took a breather after hits the fresh new high at 1286. Immediate technical landscape remains positive despite prices gave up its early gains to cover some of the downside gap. Thus, uptrend remains intact and market may continue to challenge the upside resistance at 1286 followed by 1300-1310. To the downside, support is lies at 1262-1258 (unfilled gap left over on 6/11/2009) followed by 1230.

Breaking News-RTRS-UPDATE 2-China Oct soy imports fall to 1-year low

BEIJING, Nov 11 (Reuters) - China's soybean imports fell for the fourth straight month in October to the lowest in a year, but are seen rebounding from this month as crushers take advantage of a record U.S. harvest.
The October imports of 2.52 million tonnes are nearly half June's record of 4.7 million tonnes, as tight South American supplies limited opportunities to ship in material.
But with the harvesting of what is expected to be the biggest ever U.S. soybean crop gathering pace, analysts expect soy imports to pick up this month and possibly surpass the 4 million tonnes mark in December, as U.S. cargoes still cost less than soy from government stockpiles.
Chinese buyers have booked more than 14 million tonnes of the new U.S. soy crop, according to U.S. Department of Agriculture data, which traders said covered shipment until February.

Breaking News-RTRS-INTERVIEW-Turkey's palm oil demand to soar as population grows

KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 11 (Reuters) - Turkey will double its palm oil purchases in the next ten years to a million tonnes as domestic sunflower oil production struggles to keep pace with the growing population, an industry official said on Wednesday.
Muslim Turkey sources 500,000 tonnes of refined palm olein yearly from Malaysia for its booming confectionery and margarine industries as the vegetable oil is seen as cleaner then animal fats.
Palm oil accounts for about a third of Turkey's total vegetable oil demand of 1.6 million tonnes and that share could rise if less fat-saturated varieties come into the market, Metin Yurdagul, chairman of the country's Kitchen Products and Margarine Industrialists Association, said.

Trader's Highlight

DJI-NEW YORK, Nov 11 (Reuters) - The Dow and the Standard & Poor's 500 index closed at 13-month highs on Wednesday as an upbeat forecast from a top homebuilder and data from China pointed to a strengthening global economy.

The Dow's advance was its sixth straight as comments from top Federal Reserve officials suggesting low interest rates will stay for some time added to the positive tone.

The Dow Jones industrial average <.DJI> was up 44.29 points, or 0.43 percent, at 10,291.26. The Standard & Poor's 500 Index <.SPX> was up 5.50 points, or 0.50 percent, at 1,098.51. The Nasdaq Composite Index <.IXIC> was up 15.82 points, or 0.74 percent, at 2,166.90.

NYMEX-NEW YORK, Nov 11 (Reuters) - U.S. crude futures ended slightly higher on Wednesday, supported by data showing increased industrial activity and healthy crude imports in China while a bounce by the dollar limited oil's advance.

The U.S. Energy Information Administration's oil inventory report was delayed until Thursday at 11:00 a.m. EST (1600 GMT) due to Wednesday's federal Veterans Day holiday.

On the New York Mercantile Exchange, December crude rose 23 cents, or 0.29 percent, to settle at $79.28 a barrel, trading from $78.57 to $80.10.

CBOT-SOYBEANS - November up 2-1/4 cents per bushel at $9.63-3/4. January up 4 at $9.72.

Fund buying, higher crude oil and gold boost soybean market in addition to support from gains in equities markets.

CBOT-SOYOIL - December up 0.81 cent per lb at 38.37. Firm crude oil and gains in soy combine to lift soyoil futures.

FCPO-KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 11 (Reuters) - Malaysian crude palm oil futures dropped 0.4 percent on Wednesday, extending recent losses, on high stock levels.

The benchmark January contract on Bursa Malaysia Derivatives Exchange settled down 8 ringgit at 2,234 ringgit ($662.1) per tonne. Trade volumes more than halved to 5,092 lots of 25 tonnes each.

REGIONAL EQUITIES-BANGKOK, Nov 11 (Reuters) - Most Southeast Asian stock markets rose on Wednesday, with Singapore hitting a 14-month high and beaten-down blue chips recouping recent losses -- from Indonesia's Bumi Resources to Thailand's Banpu.

Singapore's index <.FTSTI> ended up 1.2 percent at its highest since Sept 3, 2008, with Singapore Telecommunications rising 1.4 percent after Southeast Asia's biggest telecom firm posted an 18.8 percent profit rise.

Bucking the trend, Malaysia <.KLSE> eased 0.3 percent, ending its sixth day of rises, as palm plantation firm Sime Darby fell 1 percent and IOI Corp was 0.4 percent lower, in line with weaker palm oil prices.

CBOT Soyoil Daily: Gaining ground

Market is gaining ground and inching higher following prices defended well at USD36.55. To the upside, we are still looking the overhead resistance at USD39.18.

Breaking News-RTRS-Nov 10 U.S. soy, wheat, corn highlights - USDA

-US CROP 2009/10-CORN 12.921 BLN BU (4.2 TO ETHANOL), SOYBEANS RECORD 3.319 BLN, ALL WHEAT 2.216 BLN-USDA
-US EXPORTS 2009/10-CORN 2.100 BLN BU, SOYBEANS 1.325 BLN, WHEAT 875 MLN-USDA
-US END STOCKS 2009/10-CORN 1.625 BLN BU, SOYBEANS 270 MLN, WHEAT 885 MLN-USDA
-US CROP YIELDS 2009/10-CORN 162.9 BU/ACRE, SOYBEANS 43.3 BU/AC, WHEAT 44.4 BU/AC - USDA

Trader's Highlight

DJI-NEW YORK, Nov 10 (Reuters) - U.S. stocks finished little changed on Tuesday as investors paused after the Dow touched a 13-month high the previous day, while the U.S. dollar edged up from a 15-month low against major currencies.

The Dow Jones industrial average <.DJI> ended up 20.03 points, or 0.20 percent, at 10,246.97. The Standard & Poor's 500 Index <.SPX> ended down 0.07 point, or 0.01 percent, at 1,093.01. The Nasdaq Composite Index <.IXIC> finished down 2.98 points, or 0.14 percent, at 2,151.08.

NYMEX-NEW YORK, Nov 10 (Reuters) - U.S. crude futures ended lower on Tuesday, retreating from an early high above $80 a barrel on the fading threat from tropical weather in the Gulf of Mexico and the dollar's bounce.

"Crude pulled back from its highs because the dollar bounced a bit and there was no sizzle after the Ida fizzle," said Andrew Lebow, broker at MF Global in New York.

On the New York Mercantile Exchange, December crude fell 38 cents, or 0.48 percent, to settle at $79.05 a barrel, trading from $77.89 to $80.51. Crude ended Globex electronic post-settlement trading down 59 cents at $78.84, little changed by the API data release.

CBOT-SOYBEANS - November down 2-3/4 cents per bushel at $9.61-1/2. January down 4 at $9.68.

Pressure from USDA's November crop production report that showed 2009 U.S. production above an average of analysts' estimates and ending stocks for 2009/10 also above estimates.

USDA pegged 2009/10 U.S. ending stocks at 270 million bushels, above average estimate for 236 million.

USDA said 2009 U.S. soy production a record high 3.319 billion bushels, above average estimate for 3.262 billion.

USDA increased its estimate for Brazil's 2010 soy production to 63.0 million tonnes from previous 62.0 million and increased its forecast for Argentina's production to 53.0 million from the previous 52.5 million tonnes.

CBOT-SOYOIL - December down 0.21 cent per lb at 37.56 cents. Following soybeans. USDA trimmed U.S. 2009/10 soyoil end stocks forecast to 2.304 billion lbs, from 2.380 billion.

FCPO-JAKARTA, Nov 10 (Reuters) - Malaysian crude palm oil futures fell on Tuesday on fears that palm stocks in the world's number 2 producer may rise to a previous record above 2 million tonnes after climbing faster than expected in October, traders said.

The benchmark January palm oil contract on the Bursa Malaysia Derivatives Exchange dropped 24 ringgit to 2,242 ringgit ($662.73) per tonne, after going as high as 2,285 ringgit. Overall volume was 11,963 lots of 25 tonnes each.

REGIONAL EQUITIES-BANGKOK, Nov 10 (Reuters) - Singapore shares climbed to their
highest in three weeks and Malaysian stocks hit 17-month highs on Tuesday as palm oil firms such as Wilmar and Sime Darby extended gains amid optimism about the outlook for palm prices.

CIMB Research upgraded Asia's plantation industry to "overweight" from "neutral" as it raised its crude palm oil price forecasts for the next two years by 7-18 percent. Macquarie Research has also upgraded its view on the plantation sector.

Singapore's index <.FTSTI> rose 0.5 percent, with Wilmar International adding 1.7 percent and Noble Group rising 2.2 percent. The benchmark Straits Times Index <.FTSTI> earlier touched its highest since Oct. 20.

Malaysia's index <.KLSE> ended up 0.5 percent at its highest since May 23, 2008, with Sime Darby up 0.3 percent and Kuala Lumpur Kepong 1.2 percent higher.

FCPO Daily: More strength is needed

Market tested the overhead resistance at 2270-2275 but not manage to stay firm after failed to cover the full gap left over since 2/9/2009 at 2280-2299. However, 2200 levels remains supportive and defended well. Thus, market still needed more strength in order to build up a stronger base for upward move. We are now looking for the immediate upside resistance at 2285-2299 (unfilled gap left over since 2/9/2009) followed by 2335-2352 (gap left over on 1/9/2009). While, downside support is remains pegged at 2215-2200 followed by 2180-2150.

FKLI Daily: Steady

Market tested the fresh high at 1281.5 but shies away. Overall technical landscape remains bullish despite printed a black candle. Thus, market looks may continue to challenge the overhead resistance at 1300-1310 followed by 1314.5-1348 (unfilled gap left over since 4/3/2008). To the downside, support is lies at 1262.5-1258 (gap left over on 6/11/2009) followed by 1230.

Breaking News-Maxis Said to Sell Stock at 5 Ringgit Apiece to Institutions

By Soraya Permatasari
Nov. 10 (Bloomberg) -- Maxis Communications Bhd. agreed to sell shares of its flagship unit, Malaysia’s biggest mobile- phone operator, at 5 ringgit apiece ($1.48), according to three people familiar with the matter.
The people asked not to be identified before a public announcement. The Kuala Lumpur-based company planned to sell
2.25 billion shares of Maxis Bhd. for 5 ringgit to 5.50 ringgit apiece, according to an e-mail from arranger CIMB Investment Bank Bhd. sent to investors yesterday.

Breaking News-RTRS-PREVIEW - USDA to trim corn crop, soy still record

CHICAGO, Nov 6 (Reuters) - Persistent rains have lead to the latest harvest in more than 20 years, but the U.S. soybean crop is still expected to be the largest on record and U.S. corn the second largest, analysts said ahead of a government report next week.
The U.S. Agriculture Department is expected to slightly increase its soybean crop estimate and lower its corn estimate when it releases its monthly report at 8:30 a.m. EST (1330 GMT) on Tuesday.
On average, analysts forecast U.S. soybean production at a record 3.262 billion bushels, up from USDA's October forecast for 3.250 billion. The corn crop is pegged at 12.940 billion, below the government's previous forecast for 13.018 billion but still what would be the second-largest crop ever. [ID:nN05438520]

Trader's Highlight

DJI-NEW YORK, Nov 9 (Reuters) - A broad U.S. stocks rally sent the Dow industrials to a 13-month high on Monday, after the Group of 20 pledged to keep aid flowing to the world economy, strengthening investors' desire for risk.

The Dow Jones industrial average <.DJI> jumped 203.52 points, or 2.03 percent, to 10,226.94. The Standard & Poor's 500 Index <.SPX> rose 23.78 points, or 2.22 percent, to 1,093.08. The Nasdaq Composite Index <.IXIC> gained 41.62 points, or 1.97 percent, to 2,154.06.

NYMEX-NEW YORK, Nov 9 (Reuters) - U.S. crude oil futures ended 2.6 percent higher on Monday, lifted by the weak dollar and on shut-in oil and natural gas production as Tropical Storm Ida approached the Gulf Coast.

Tropical Storm Ida has shut 29.6 percent of oil production and 27.5 percent of gas output from the Gulf of Mexico, the U.S. Minerals Management Service said Monday.

On the New York Mercantile Exchange, December crude rose $2, or 2.58 percent, to settle at $79.43 a barrel, trading from $77.77 to $80.19.

CBOT-SOYBEANS - November up 16-1/4 cents at $9.64-1/4 per bushel; January up 17 at $9.72.

Falling dollar, strong gains in crude oil, gold and equities boost soy futures, countering bearish impact of much better harvest weather in the U.S. Midwest. Strong export inspections number adds support.

CBOT-SOYOIL - December up 1 cent at 37.77 cents per lb. Support from gains in soybeans and crude oil as the dollar falls.

FCPO-JAKARTA, Nov 9 (Reuters) - Malaysian crude palm oil futures rose 0.9 percent on Monday, bouncing back from early losses, supported by talk of a rise in exports and a bullish price outlook from an influential industry analyst, traders said.

There was speculation that an estimate by cargo surveyor Intertek Testing Services (ITS), due out on Tuesday, will show Nov. 1-10 Malaysian palm oil exports at 394,000 tonnes against 339,195 tonnes shipped between Oct.1-10, traders said.

The benchmark January palm oil contract on the Bursa Malaysia Derivatives Exchange rose 20 ringgit to 2,266 ringgit ($670.81) per tonne, after going as low as 2,215 ringgit. Overall volume was about average at 9,955 lots of 25 tonnes each.

REGIONAL EQUITIES-BANGKOK, Nov 9 (Reuters) - Stock indexes in Singapore,
Indonesia and Thailand climbed to their highest in almost two weeks on Monday on buying in resource and commodity companies such as Wilmar International, Astra Agro and PTT.

Singapore's benchmark Straits Times Index <.FTSTI> rose 1.3 percent, with Wilmar , the world's largest listed palm oil producer, jumping 3.2 percent, Noble Group shooting up 6.2 percent and Olam International up 2.8 percent.

Malaysia <.KLSE> hit a two-week high, ending up 0.6 percent, with palm plantation firm IOI Corp surging 4.5 percent and Sime Darby adding 1.1 percent.

FCPO Daily: Slightly improved

Immediate technical landscape improved a little following prices continue to defend at 2200 levels. Thus, a break out from the overhead resistance at 2270-2275 may provide more room to bias upside potential. Next resistance will be looking at 2350. While, downside support is adjusted to 2215-2200 followed by 2180.

DJI Daily: More room to upside potential

A convincing break out from the overhead resistance at 10,200 levels had strengthen further the overall immediate technical landscape. Thus, market may likely to march higher to challenge the next resistance at 10,300-10,500. To the downside, support is pegged at 10,000-9,900.

FKLI Daily: Ends of consolidation phase

Market has come to the end of its consolidation mode following prices hits the new fresh high at 1274.5. Market looks may want to challenge the overhead resistance at 1300-1310 followed by 1314.5-1348 (unfilled gap left over since 4/3/2008). To the downside, support is lies at 1262.5-1258 (gap left over on 6/11/2009) followed by 1230.