Trader's Highlight

DJI-NEW YORK, April 14 (Reuters) - Stocks that outperform in a weak economy helped the Dow and S&P 500 eke out gains on Thursday as concerns about faltering growth and inflation prompted investors to seek out less volatile names.

The Dow industrials' top percentage gainers were Coca-Cola Co , up 1.5 percent, Kraft Foods Inc , up 1.7 percent and Merck & Co , up 1.2 percent.

The Dow Jones industrial average <.DJI> rose 14.16 points, or 0.12 percent, to end at 12,285.15. The Standard & Poor's 500 <.SPX> gained 0.11 of a point, or 0.01 percent, to 1,314.52. The Nasdaq Composite <.IXIC> dropped 1.30 points, or 0.05 percent, to 2,760.22.

NYMEX-NEW YORK, April 14 (Reuters) - U.S. crude futures ended higher on Thursday on lift from a weaker dollar that helped crude reverse early losses prompted by concerns that high prices would erode demand.

The dollar gave up its early strength after a government report showing initial jobless claims rose last week.

On the New York Mercantile Exchange, May crude rose $1, or 0.93 percent to settle at $108.11 a barrel, trading from $105.77 to $108.55.


CBOT-CHICAGO, April 14 (Reuters) - U.S. soybean futures ended slightly lower on Thursday. but above earlier session lows, withmeal closing higher on support from new-crop corn gains, traders said.

Wet weather in U.S. corn-producing regions is slowing plantings and threatening 2011 corn production, the traders said.

A rally in crude oil prices also underpinned soy, they said. Earlier on Thursday, soy was pressured by weaker-the-expected export sales, which prompted some holders of long positions to liquidate.

FCPO-JAKARTA, April 14 (Reuters) - Malaysian palm oil notched a third-straight day of declines on Thursday as comparative oil prices such as soybean and crude weighed and investors eyed export data due later this week.

The benchmark June crude palm oil contract on the Bursa Malaysia Derivatives exchange ended at a two-week low at 3,282 Malaysian ringgit ($1,085) a tonne. Traded volume on the June contract was 18,949 lots of 25 tonnes each, versus Wednesday's total at 13,246 lots.

REGIONAL EQUITIES-COLOMBO , April 14 (Reuters) - Most Southeast Asian stock markets fell in choppy trade on Thursday on fears that Beijing will tighten monetary policy further after reports that inflation in China accelerated more than expected in March.

March inflation accelerated to a 32-month high of 5.4 percent year-on-year, Hong Kong media said on Thursday, a day ahead of the official data release. Analaysts recently polled by Reuters had predicted it would quicken to 5.2 percent.

So far, most tightening measures have sparked an immediate but brief sell-off in regional or global equity markets, and they have recouped the losses fairly quickly.

Singapore <.FTSTI> lost 0.4 percent after its Monetary Authority tightened monetary policy slightly to fight against rising inflation, helping push the local currency to record highs, but declines were capped by strong first quarter economic growth.

Malaysia <.KLSE> closed 0.6 percent weaker at a two-weak closing low, but enjoyed a $25.2 million net foreign inflow, while Vietnam <.VNI> edged down 0.1 percent. Analysts also attributed some of the Singapore market's losses to a technical correction, noting the index had pushed into overbought territory in the previous session, but added that sentiment was still seen as bullish.

Breaking News-Asia oils-China buys more palm oil, discount to soyoil narrows

KUALA LUMPUR, April 13 (Reuters) - China, the world's No.2 vegetable oil buyer, chased palm oil cargoes on Wednesday as traders switch over to the tropical oil during the warmer months and avoid soyoil imports on ample supply.
China's soyoil imports are falling as soybean from national reserves is set to be released into local markets to rein in prices.

Trader's Highlight

DJI-NEW YORK, April 13 (Reuters) - U.S. stocks finished mostly flat in a choppy session on Wednesday, as investors bet on strong technology earnings even as JPMorgan Chase's numbers weighed on other market sectors.

Network equipment maker Riverbed Technology Inc boosted the industry and helped buoy the Nasdaq after its quarterly outlook. The stock surged 12.4 percent to $34.74 on four times the average daily volume over the last 50 days.

The Dow Jones industrial average <.DJI> gained 7.41 points, or 0.06 percent, to 12,270.99. The Standard & Poor's 500 Index <.SPX> inched up 0.25 of a point, or 0.02 percent, to 1,314.41. The Nasdaq Composite Index <.IXIC> added 16.73 points, or 0.61 percent, to 2,761.52.

NYMEX-NEW YORK, April 13 (Reuters) - U.S. crude futures ended higher on Wednesday after diving nearly 6 percent in two days, led by gasoline gains fuelled by government inventory data showing the biggest drop in stocks since 1998.

U.S. gasoline stocks fell 7 million barrels last week as refiners lower capacity utilization 3 percentage points and emptied winter-grade gasoline inventories to make room for summer blends, data from the U.S. Energy Information Administration showed.

On the New York Mercantile Exchange, May crude rose 86 cents, or 0.81 percent, to settle at $107.11, trading from $105.31 to $107.43.

CBOT-CHICAGO, April 13 (Reuters) - U.S. soybean futures ended slightly higher on Wednesday, bolstered by an upside correction following a broad-based sell-off in Tuesday following a recommendation by Goldman Sachs to book profits, traders said.

Given projection for relatively tight stocks in soybeans as well as corn, higher soybean prices were needed to effectively "buy" acreage from corn as grains move into the planting season, traders said.

FCPO-JAKARTA, April 13 (Reuters) - Malaysian palm oil hit a two week trough before paring losses late on Wednesday, with sentiment driven by comparative vegetable oils and crude prices, as market players braced themselves for further weakness due to a higher production cycle.

The benchmark June crude palm oil contract on Bursa Malaysia Derivatives closed at 3,348 Malaysian ringgit ($1,105) a tonne, after earlier falling 2.1 percent to a low of 3,302 ringgit.

Traded volume on the June contract was 13,246 lots of 25 tonnes each, versus Tuesday's near three-week high total at 21,496 lots.

REGIONAL EQUITIES-COLOMBO , April 13 (Reuters) - Most Southeast Asian stock markets gained in thin volume on Wednesday, led by Singapore, which rose over 1 percent as transport shares advanced and on strong economic growth expectations ahead of a central bank policy meeting.

Investors looked for fresh opportunities in risky assets in emerging markets, a day after crude oil prices dropped over 3 percent, but most of them waited for further direction from upcoming company earnings reports.

Singapore's Straits Times Index (STI) <.FTSTI> rose 1.1 percent, its biggest gain in a day since March 30, but the day's volume was 0.83 times of its 30-day average volume.

Singapore central bank will also announce the results of its latest policy review on Thursday. Economists expect it to tighten policy further to curb imported inflation, allowing the Singapore dollar to continue to appreciate. Such a move could draw further inflows into Singaporean assets.

The pullback in oil prices gave some relief to transportation stocks in Singapore, though fuel prices remain well above their levels at the end of last year.

Singapore Airlines , the world's second most valuable carrier by market capitalisation, jumped 4.9 percent and the world's sixth largest container shipping firm Neptune Orient Lines gained 3.1 percent on hopes of benefiting from the declining crude oil prices.

In Kuala Lumpur, petrochemical producer Petronas Chemicals Group gained 4.4percent after a sharp drop in the previous day due to the fall in global oil prices.

Trader's Highlight

DJI-NEW YORK, April 11 (Reuters) - Stocks mostly fell on Monday as energy shares sold off on lower oil prices and the onset of earnings season was clouded by concern company outlooks may fall short of expectations.

Worries that increased raw material costs and the effects from Japan's earthquake may affect coming quarters will put companies' forward-looking statements under increased scrutiny.

The Dow Jones industrial average <.DJI> rose 1.06 points, or 0.01 percent, at 12,381.11. The Standard & Poor's 500 Index <.SPX> fell 3.71 points, or 0.28 percent, at 1,324.46. The Nasdaq Composite Index <.IXIC> lost 8.91 points, or 0.32 percent, at 2,771.51.

NYMEX-NEW YORK, April 11 (Reuters) - U.S. crude oil futures fell on Monday in a selloff triggered by a Goldman Sachs note to clients that they take profits after an extended rally.

Worries that high oil prices could reduce demand and stunt the economic recovery also spurred caution and sparked some liquidations, traders said.

On the New York Mercantile Exchange, crude for May delivery settled at $109.92a barrel, down $2.87 or 2.54 percent. It traded from $109.55 to $113.46, which was the highest since intraday prices hit $113.46 on Sept. 22, 2008.

CBOT-CHICAGO, April 11 (Reuters) - U.S. soybean futures ended nearly 2 percent lower on Friday, under pressure from China export concerns and expectations for a bumper crop of soybeans in South America, traders said.

Earlier on Monday, an official with China's state-owned trading house COFCO Co Ltd said China is is likely to cancel or defer some cargoes because of poor crushing margins.

In addition, the Chinese company revised down China's soy imports in 2010/11 to between 53 million and 54 million tonnes, down from an earlier estimate of 54.5 million tonnes,

FCPO-JAKARTA, April 11 (Reuters) - Malaysian palm oil futures ended off a three-week high on Monday as higher than expected stocks erased earlier gains driven by competing vegetable oil markets and crude oil.

March palm oil stocks in Malaysia rose to a three-month high on production surging nearly 30 percent. The higher production comes as the South American soy crop get harvested, crushed and channeled into vegetable oil markets.

The benchmark June crude palm oil contract on Bursa Malaysia Derivatives settled up 0.5 percent, or 18 ringgit, at 3,417 ringgit ($1,131). It earlier went as high as 3,454 ringgit -- a level unseen since March 21. Overall traded volume was at 27,224 lots of 25 tonnes each, higher than the usual 25,000 lots.

REGIONAL EQUITIES-BANGKOK, April 11 (Reuters) - Most Southeast Asian stock markets fell on Monday as investors took profits in big-caps and financials while resource shares reversed early gains as global oil prices eased.

Market volume was generally weak, with turnover of most of the bourses falling below a 30-day average. Risk-averse sentiment was compounded by news of another strong earthquake that shook buildings in Tokyo and parts of eastern Japan late on Monday.

The emerging Southeast Asian bourses underperformed most others in Asia on Monday, with the MSCI index of Singapore <.MISG00000PSG> off nearly 1 percent and the MSCI index of Thailand <.MITH00000PTHM> around 0.9 percent lower by 0938 GMT.

The MSCI Emerging index <.MSCIEF> edged down 0.3 percent and Asia stocks outside Japan <.MIAPJ0000PUS> were down 0.2 percent.

The region's weaknesses came amid mixed fund flows. The Philippines drew in $13 million of foreign inflows on Monday, adding on $330 million over the past seven sessions, while Indonesia gained $26 million, Thomson Reuters data showed.

Malaysia reported small fund outflows of $3.2 million, after $450 million of inflows during the past 12 sessions. Thailand had an injection of $24 million on top of $1.22billion in the past 13 sessions, the exchange said.

In Singapore, upcoming first quarter corporate earnings are expected to be lacklustre, hurt by slowing growth in most developed economies. Profit taking also hit oil-related sectors.

Oil rig builder Keppel Corp fell 1.7 percent on Monday while Sembcorp Marine dipped 0.8 percent. Among the region's losers, Indonesia's second-biggest lender Bank Rakyat Indonesia dropped 2.4 percent, climbing to an intraday record at one point, and Malaysian top lender Maybank off 0.1percent, erasing some of 2 percent rise to five-month highs last week.

In Singapore, Aztech Group , an electronics, materials supply and marine logistics company, fell 5.4 percent after it said it will record a loss for its first quarter, compared with a profit a year earlier.

Trader's Highlight

DJI-NEW YORK, April 8 (Reuters) - U.S. stocks fell late on Friday as a spike in oil prices revived worries that inflation would derail the recovery, jolting a market that had been treading water ahead of corporate earnings.

The uncertain outcome of budget talks in Washington and the prospect of a U.S. government shutdown as a midnight deadline loomed spurred investors to buy protection ahead of the weekend. Many traders bought short-term put options on the SPDR S&P 500 Trust .

The Dow Jones industrial average <.DJI> was down 29.59 points, or 0.24 percent, at 12,379.90. The Standard & Poor's 500 Index <.SPX> was down 5.36 points, or 0.40 percent, at 1,328.15. The Nasdaq Composite Index <.IXIC> was down 15.73 points, or 0.56 percent, at 2,780.41.

NYMEX-NEW YORK, April 8 (Reuters) - U.S. crude oil futures ended at their highest level in 30 months on Friday, rising for the sixth day in seven and pushing gains to a third week, as a decline in the dollar spurred a broad rally in commodities.

The dollar was weighed dowm by a potential government shutdown which analysts said could hinder economic recovery, and by expectations that interest-rate differentials will widen further in Europe's favor.

On the New York Mercantile Exchange, crude futures for May delivery settled at $112.79 a barrel, the highest price since Sept. 22, 2008, when front-month prices closed at $120.92. It traded from $110.11 to $112.86.

CBOT-CHICAGO, April 8 (Reuters) - U.S. soybean futures ended nearly flat on the week but more than 2 percent higher on Friday, rallying on the unwinding of long corn/short soybean spreads as well as near-term bullish technical signals, traders said.

May soybeans edged past minor resistance in the May contracts around $13.93, with the next upside target seen between $14.09 and $14.10.

FCPO-KUALA LUMPUR, April 8 (Reuters) - Malaysian palm oil futures hit more than two-week highs on Friday as higher prices of competing crude oil and soyoil markets may kick in more fuel and food demand for the tropical oil.

Traders are expecting Malaysian palm oil exports for the first ten days of April to rise about 7 percent to above 380,000 tonnes from a month ago. Higher demand comes at time when palm oil supplies are rising in Malaysia.

The benchmark June crude palm oil contract on Bursa Malaysia Derivatives settled up 2.1 percent or 71 ringgit to 3,399 ringgit ($1,122) per tonne, after going as high as 3,400 ringgit -- a level unseen since March 22. Overall traded volume more than doubled to 32,390 lots of 25 tonnes each, above the usual 15,000 lots.

REGIONAL EQUITIES-BANGKOK, April 8 (Reuters) - Most Southeast Asian stock markets eked out small gains in moderate volume on Friday, with high oil prices boosting appetite for resource shares and cautious investors chasing overbought equities.

The region has started to see some profit taking following a spell of foreign inflows into Asia in the wake of renewed dollar weakness and strong regional currencies, including those of Southeast Asia.

Turnover for most sharemarkets was around their 30-day averages, including Singapore, Thailand and Indonesia. Most bourses fared worse on the week, with Malaysia at just 0.14 percent and Indonesia at 0.9 percent.

Singapore's Keppel Corp , the world's largest oil rig builder, gained 0.3 percent and Philippine energy producer Aboitiz Power Corp advanced 1.3 percent.

Banks, among rallying shares this week, eased off. Thai fourth largest lender Siam Commercial Bank dropped 1.3 percent, climbing to a 14-year high at one point, and Malaysia's AMMB Holdings lost 1.4 percent, coming off two-month highs.

Trader's Highlight

DJI-NEW YORK, April 7 (Reuters) - Wall Street slipped on Thursday after a major aftershock in Japan reignited fears about its nuclear power crisis, but greater faith in the U.S. economy's steady path held losses in check.

A rise in retail stocks after better-than-expected March chain-store sales limited broader market declines as the data added to evidence of a sustained economic recovery.

Investors sought protection against further market declines following the magnitude 7.4 aftershock in Japan, but a move to safer assets did not materialize.

The Dow Jones industrial average <.DJI> was down 17.26 points, or 0.14 percent, at 12,409.49. The Standard & Poor's 500 Index <.SPX> was down 2.03 points, or 0.15 percent, at 1,333.51. The Nasdaq Composite Index <.IXIC> was down 3.68 points, or 0.13 percent, at 2,796.14.

NYMEX-NEW YORK, April 7 (Reuters) - U.S. crude oil futures rose sharply and pushed above $110 a barrel on Thursday for the first time since 2008 amid uncertainties about supply in Libya, the Middle East and Nigeria and help from supportive economic data.

A drop in jobless claims in the United States and stronger -than-expected retail sales in March also buoyed crude.

On the New York Mercantile Exchange, May crude rose $1.47, or 1.35 percent to settle at $110.30 a barrel, the highest settlement since Sept. 22, 2008, when front-month contract prices ended at $120.92. Thursday's trading ranged from from $108.23 to $110.44.

CBOT-CHICAGO, April 7 (Reuters) - U.S. soybean futures unofficially closed lower on Thursday, falling to their lowest level in more than a week as traders adjusted positions ahead of the U.S. Agriculture Department's monthly supply and demand report.

FCPO-KUALA LUMPUR, April 7 (Reuters) - Malaysia palm oil futures fell 1.6 percent on Thursday as traders keep their focus on higher March production of the tropical although some market players point to improving demand this month.

A Reuters survey showed plantations are looking at Malaysian palm oil stocks hitting a 3-month high in March and double-digit production growth as yields recover after two years of lacklustre growth.

The benchmark June crude palm oil contract on Bursa Malaysia Derivatives closed 54 ringgit lower to 3,322 ringgit($1,098) per tonne. Overall traded volume stood at 24,305 lots of 25 tonnes each from the usual 15,000 lots.

REGIONAL EQUITIES-BANGKOK, April 7 (Reuters) - Major Southeast Asian stock markets posted limited gains on Thursday, with continued appetite for risk assets putting big caps in focus and a strong oil market bolstering demand for energy stocks.

The easing risk aversion sentiment, generally supported by earnings optimism for key sectors such as banks, helped keep most regional indexes at their multi-month highs amid only moderate trade volume on Thursday.

Malaysian banks gained, with Malayan Banking and CIMB Bank each up around 0.5 percent.

Fitch Ratings said the rating outlook of Malaysian banks was mostly stable, underpinned by favourable economic prospects and modest inflation risks in 2011.

Trader's Highlight

DJI-NEW YORK, March 24 (Reuters) - U.S. stocks advanced on Thursday as optimism about upcoming earnings and investor buying of the quarter's top performers lifted the S&P 500 above a key technical level.

The Dow Jones industrial average <.DJI> added 84.54 points, or 0.70 percent, to end unofficially at 12,170.56. The Standard & Poor's 500 Index <.SPX> gained 12.12 points, or 0.93 percent, to finish unofficially at 1,309.66. The Nasdaq Composite Index <.IXIC> rose 38.12 points, or 1.41 percent, to close unofficially at 2,736.42.

NYMEX-NEW YORK, March 24 (Reuters) - U.S. crude futures ended little changed on Thursday, dipping 15 cents as investors took profits after the recent rally on supply worries caused by Libya's conflict and ongoing Middle East unrest.

Trade seesawed and total crude trading volumes remained light, well below the 30-day average.

On the New York Mercantile Exchange, May crude fell 15 cents, or 0.14 percent, to settle at $105.60 a barrel, having traded from $104.76 to $106.69.

CBOT-CHICAGO, March 24 (Reuters) - Chicago Board of Trade soybean futures closed higher on Thursday, pulled up on leadership from wheat and corn, traders said.

Volume in CBOT soybeans was estimated at 161,000 contracts, down about 27 percent from its 30-day average, according to Thomson Reuters data.

Soymeal remained lower at the close amid sagging demand. Soyoil ended slightly higher, following soybeans.

FCPO-KUALA LUMPUR, March 24 (Reuters) - Malaysia's crude palm oil futures ended off a four-month low on Thursday although weak technicals and expectations of strong production continued to weigh.

Palm oil, which has lost around 15 percent so far this year, could decline further as the market is pricing in output recovery in Malaysia after two years of sluggish yields owing to erratic weather.

And weak exports are underscoring concerns that the global economic recovery may be faltering with quake-hit Japan's unfolding nuclear crisis and civil unrest in the Middle East.

Benchmark June palm oil on the Bursa Malaysia Derivatives Exchange fell as much as 4.3 percent, or 143 ringgit to 3,163 ringgit ($1,045), a level unseen since Nov. 24, 2010, before settling higher at 3,270 ringgit. Overall trade volumes stood at 45,341 lots at 25 tonnes each, more than triple the usual 15,000 lots.

REGIONAL EQUITIES-BANGKOK, March 24 (Reuters) - Major Southeast Asian stock markets pushed higher on Thursday as demand for resource shares filtered through the region and investors picked banks amid strong loan growth outlook.

Optimism about emerging economies grew as well as a recovery in risk appetite. Turnover on the Thai stock market <.SETI> jumped almost two times its 30-day average and Indonesia <.JKSE> saw turnover rising above average.

Southeast Asia came under selling pressure last week amid fear over Japan's nuclear crisis but the region's bourses now hovers around multi-week highs, with Indonesia and Thailand hitting 10-week highs. Singapore <.FTSTI> and Malaysia <.KLSE> both moved around their highest in two weeks.

Trader's Highlight

DJI-NEW YORK, March 23 (Reuters) - U.S. stocks advanced on Wednesday as materials shares rose, but rising commodities prices due to turmoil in the Middle East and North Africa could keep rallies modest.

The market's favored indicator of anxiety, the Chicago Board Options Exchange Volatility Index or VIX <.VIX>, shows investor worry over unsettled world situations has been tempered for the moment. But the lack of volume and moderate gains suggest optimism is limited in scope.

The Dow Jones industrial average <.DJI> gained 67.39 points, or 0.56 percent, to 12,086.02. The Standard & Poor's 500 Index <.SPX> rose 3.77 points, or 0.29 percent, to 1,297.54. The Nasdaq Composite Index <.IXIC> climbed 14.43 points, or 0.54 percent, to 2,698.30.

CBOT-CHICAGO, March 23 (Reuters) - Chicago Board of Trade soybean futures closed lower on Wednesday, pressured by a final run of profit-taking just before the pit close, traders said.

Continued speculation about China's rumored purchase of corn was an ongoing drag on the market, they said. Volume was thin as soybeans logged their smallest trade
since Nov. 26, 2010. Soybean oil volume was the lowest since Oct. 26, 2010 and soymeal the lowest since Dec. 31, 2010.

FCPO-KUALA LUMPUR, March 23 (Reuters) - Malaysian palm oil ended
almost flat on Wednesday with the market split between higher output prospects this month and firmer crude oil markets that rose on concerns over Middle East supply disruptions.

The benchmark June crude palm oil contract on the Bursa Malaysia Derivatives shed 2 ringgit to settle at 3,306 ringgit ($1,091) a tonne after a session of choppy trading. Prices ranged between 3,301 and 3,367 ringgit.

Overall traded volume shot up to 26,032 lots of 25 tonnes each from the usual 15,000 lots.

REGIONAL EQUITIES-COLOMBO, March 23 (Reuters) - Southeast Asia's stock markets posted gains on Wednesday led by commodity and energy shares, with Thailand hitting a more than two-month closing high helped by buying in industrial and banking stocks.

But investors were still wary of uncertainty over the human and economic toll inflicted by Japan's earthquake, tsunami and nuclear crisis and possible oil price rises as a result of ongoing violence in Libya and turmoil in the Middle East.

Indonesia <.JKSE> gained 1.1 percent to a more than one-week high led by mining shares, Thailand <.SETI> rose 0.7 percent to a two month high on energy and banking stocks while Singapore <.FTSTI> was up 0.7 percent, its best since March 14.

Malaysia closed 0.2 percent firmer to its near two-week high and Philippines <.PSI> edged to its highest in a week.

Except in Singapore, traded share volume in all other markets was lower than their respective 30-day averages due to the impact of crises in Japan and the Arab world.

Analysts expect investors to buy back into risky assets when global factors are more favourable, with valuations of the regional markets becoming more attractive after a recent slump.

In Singapore, commodity firm Olam International gained 4.2 percent on positive outlook and attractive valuations following a recent correction in soft commodity prices.

Palm oil firm Golden Agri-Resources rose 3.8 percent on hopes that oil supply constraints due to Middle East tensions would boost demand for biofuels.

Trader's Highlight

DJI-NEW YORK, March 22 (Reuters) - U.S. stocks closed down, snapping a three-day winning streak on Tuesday, even as investors adjusted to the insecurity created by events in Japan, the Middle East and North Africa. Volume was the lowest of 2011, based on preliminary data.

Based on the latest available figures, the Dow Jones industrial average <.DJI> shed 17.98 points, or 0.15 percent, to end unofficially at 12,018.55. The Standard & Poor's 500 Index <.SPX> dropped 4.61 points, or 0.36 percent, to finish unofficially at 1,293.77. The Nasdaq Composite Index <.IXIC> lost 8.22 points, or 0.31 percent, to close unofficially at 2,683.87.

NYMEX-NEW YORK, March 22 (Reuters) - U.S. crude oil futures rose a second straight day on Tuesday as tensions in the Middle East and Allied air strikes against targets in Libya stoked more concerns about supply disruptions.

Late short-covering ahead of the expiration of the April crude contract pushed prices up by more than $2 a barrel near the close.

On the New York Mercantile Exchange, April crude expired and settled at $104 a barrel, gaining $1.67 or 1.63 percent, after trading from $101.43 to $104.54.

CBOT-CHICAGO, March 22 (Reuters) - Chicago Board of Trade soybean futures closed weak on Tuesday, pressured by a downturn in corn as rumors of a U.S. corn sale to China have not been confirmed. Soy also pressured by profit-taking following the big recovery bounce in the market late last week.

CBOT-SOYMEAL - May last unchanged at $366.40. Choppy trade and volume was thin.

CBOT-SOYOIL - May last down 0.06 cent per lb at 55.82. Spillover pressure from lower soybeans.

FCPO-KUALA LUMPUR, March 22 (Reuters) - Malaysian palm oil tumbled 3.7 percent on Tuesday as investors unwound positions on expectations of higher production this month and a stronger ringgit currency hitting refining margins.

Output in Malaysia's key southern growing region, which accounts for 30 percent of national output, is set to strengthen in March on favourable growing weather, traders and planters said.

The higher output comes as the ringgit strengthens against the dollar, making crude palm oil used for refined products more expensive at time when orders have been slow.

The benchmark June 2011 crude palm oil contract on Bursa Malaysia Derivatives dropped as much as 129 ringgit, to 3,291 ringgit($1,085)a tonne. It later settled at 3,308 ringgit. Overall volumes stood at 25,617 lots of 25 tonnes each, much higher than the expected volumes of 15,000 lots at the close.

REGIONAL EQUITIES-COLOMBO, March 22 (Reuters) - Singapore's stock market rose on Tuesday but others in the region were flat in light volume, with worries about oil prices and inflation deterring investors.

However, some were taking a more positive view on Japan's nuclear crisis and were prepared to buy back risky assets.

Singapore <.FTSTI> gained 0.6 percent to hit its highest close since March 14. The Philippines <.PSI> gained 0.3 percent but Malaysia <.KLSE> and Indonesia <.JKSE> barely moved.

Thailand <.SETI> fell 0.1 percent after touching a two-week high during the day, while Vietnam <.VNI> fell 0.7 percent.

Jakarta and Kuala Lumpur suffered net foreign outflows of $26 and $11.7 million respectively on the day.

In Singapore, Sembcorp Marine, the world's second-largest oil rig builder, rose 3.3 percent after it said it won an order worth $450 million to build a jack-up rig.

Trader's Highlight

DJI-NEW YORK, March 21 (Reuters) - U.S. stocks ended higher on Monday as the biggest proposed merger of the year enticed buyers into the market, though crises in Japan and the Middle East and North Africa assured continued market volatility.

Based on the latest available data, the Dow Jones industrial average <.DJI> jumped 178.01 points, or 1.50 percent, at 12,036.53. The Standard & Poor's 500 Index <.SPX> was up 19.15 points, or 1.50 percent, at 1,298.35. The Nasdaq Composite Index <.IXIC> advanced 48.42 points, or 1.83 percent, at 2,692.09.

NYMEX-NEW YORK, March 21 (Reuters) - U.S. crude oil futures ended up more than 1 percent on Monday as U.N.-mandated air strikes in Libya and growing unrest in the Middle East sparked more worries about supply disruptions.

Libyan rebels, emboldened by support through the air strikes, said they aimed to capture Tripoli, and force out Muammar Gaddafi.

On the New York Mercantile Exchange, crude for April delivery settled at $102.33 a barrel, gaining $1.26, or 1.25 percent. It traded on thin volume from $101.66 to $103.35.

CBOT-CHICAGO, March 21 (Reuters) - Chicago Board of Trade soybeans last traded higher on Monday in tandem with gains in corn, with new-crop November rising nearly 1percent.

CBOT-SOYMEAL - May last trades down $1.70 at $366.20 per ton. Support from soybeans.

CBOT-SOYOIL - May last trades up 0.09 cent at 55.86 cents per lb.

FCPO-KUALA LUMPUR, March 21 (Reuters) - Malaysia's palm oil futures hit a ten-day high on Monday as traders hunted for bargains after a temporary easing of the nuclear crisis in quake-hit Japan.

But gains were limited by lower Malaysian export data for the first 20 days of March, underscoring fears that global economy will still slow with this month's earthquake and tsunami hitting the world's No.3 economy.

The benchmark June 2011 crude palm oil contract on Bursa Malaysia Derivatives rose as much as 1.2 percent to 3,489 ringgit ($1,143) a tonne, a level unseen since March 11. By midday the contract stood at 3,457 ringgit. Overall volume stood at 7,492 lots at 25 tonnes each.

REGIONAL EQUITIES-COLOMBO, March 21 (Reuters) - Southeast Asian stock markets rose on Monday as worries about Japan's nuclear problems eased a little, but volume was thin as investors remained concerned about oil prices after Western powers launched air strikes on Libya.

Investors bought shares in what were seen by some as oversold markets in the region, driving the Thai SET index <.SETI> and Singapore <.FTSTI> to a one-week high.

Singapore <.FTSTI> gained 1.6 percent, as did Vietnam <.VNI>, Indonesia <.JKSE> rose 0.7 percent, Malaysia <.KLSE> closed 0.3 percent firmer and the Philippines edged up 0.1 percent.

Trader's Highlight

DJI-NEW YORK, March 18 (Reuters) - U.S. stocks rallied on Friday after a week of volatility, but light trading volume suggested investors are still reluctant to make big bets due to turmoil in the Middle East and Japan's nuclear crisis.

The Dow Jones industrial average <.DJI> was up 83.93 points, or 0.71 percent, at 11,858.52, according to the latest available figures. The Standard & Poor's 500 Index <.SPX> was up 5.49 points, or 0.43 percent, at 1,279.21. The Nasdaq Composite Index <.IXIC> was up 7.62 points, or 0.29 percent, at 2,643.67.

For the week, the Dow was down 1.5 percent, the S&P fell 1.9 percent and the Nasdaq lost 2.6 percent.

NYMEX-NEW YORK, March 18 (Reuters) - U.S. crude oil futures fell on Friday after Libya declared a ceasefire to comply with a United Nations resolution authorizing a no-fly zone and other military action to protect civilians.

Losses were trimmed near the close after U.S. President Barack Obama warned Muammar Gaddafi that military action will ensue if Libya did not obey the U.N. demands.

On the New York Mercantile Exchange, crude for April delivery settled at $101.07 a barrel, down 35 cents. For the week, it dipped 9 cents, declining for two straight weeks.

CBOT-CHICAGO, March 18 (Reuters) - Chicago Board of Trade soy ended 2 percent higher on the day, last up 27-1/4 cents at $13.62-1/2 on bullish technicals and prospects for a strike in Argentina among trucking and other transportation workers on Monday amid the harvest season, traders said.

Soybeans also found support from a lower forecast for soy acreage by private forecaster Informa Economics. Nearby soy futures ended 3.7 pct higher on the week.

FCPO-JAKARTA, March 18 (Reuters) - Malaysian palm oil futures rose more than 3 percent on Friday, as physical buying and investor fears eased over the impact of the nuclear crisis in quake-hit Japan.

The benchmark May 2011 crude palm oil contract on Bursa Malaysia Derivatives closed up 3.2 percent at 3,446 Malaysian ringgit ($1,128) a tonne, off an earlier high of 3,450 ringgit.

Volatile prices of the vegetable oil, used in products such as food, cosmetics, tyres and biofuels, hit a near four-month low of 3,250 on Tuesday but have gained more than 2 percent this week.

REGIONAL EQUITIES-BANGKOK, March 18 (Reuters) - Most Southeast Asian stock markets posted small gains on Friday at the end of a volatile week dominated by Japan's nuclear crisis, with shares in the region's refineries in demand after some Japanese plants closed.

Market players traded cautiously on Friday, with unrest in the Middle East adding to the risks to global economic growth, and turnover in most markets was low. In the Thai market it was just 70 percent of the average of the past 30 days.

Singapore's Straits Times Index <.FTSTI> ended down 0.2 percent, after climbing almost 1 percent at one point, led by financials, with Overseas Chinese Banking Corp down 0.2 percent.

Most Southeast Asian stock markets performed worse than last week, led by Vietnam's 6.9 percent drop, followed by Singapore's 3.5 percent.

Trader's Highlight

DJI-NEW YORK, March 17 (Reuters) - Wall Street rebounded after three days of declines on Thursday, but the advance could be temporary as concerns about Japan's nuclear crisis persisted.

The S&P 500 <.SPX> recovered after giving up the year's gains on Wednesday, but options activity showed traders are increasing hedges against another decline in stocks. The Dow Jones Transport average <.DJT> gained 1.4 percent.

A total of about 1.16 million option contracts traded in the S&P 500 as puts outpaced calls by a ratio of 2.15, above its recent daily ratio of 1.93, according to options analytics firm Trade Alert.

NYMEX-NEW YORK, March 17 (Reuters) - U.S. crude oil futures rose 3.5 percent on Thursday as tensions escalated between Libya and foreign governments trying to forge a response and as Middle East unrest continued.

Total U.S. crude trading volume was light at 535,309 lots, the lowest since Jan. 3.

On the New York Mercantile Exchange, April crude rose $3.44, or 3.51 percent, to settle at $101.42 a barrel, trading from $96.60 to $101.99.

CBOT-CHICAGO, March 17 (Reuters) - Chicago Board of Trade May soybeans ended up 3.75 percent on the day, lifted by technically based buying and leadership from corn, traders said. In addition, funds bought and estimated 10,000 soybean contracts, as well as 4,000 soymeal and 6,000 soyoil futures.

FCPO-JAKARTA, March 17 (Reuters) - Malaysian palm oil futures dipped as much as 1 percent on Thursday, as persistent uncertainty surrounding the economic impact of the devastating Japanese earthquake and tsunami weighed on prices.

The benchmark May 2011 crude palm oil contract on Bursa Malaysia Derivatives closed at 3,338 Malaysian ringgit ($1,094) a tonne, down 0.27 percent after earlier touching a low of 3,305 ringgit.

REGIONAL EQUITIES-BANGKOK, March 17 (Reuters) - Southeast Asian stock markets pulled lower in light volume on Thursday as investors sold across the board in response to Japan's worsening nuclear crisis.

Unrest in the Middle East and weak U.S. housing data added to worries about the global economy after the earthquake that hit Japan last week, damaging a nuclear power plant in Fukushima, north of Tokyo.

Turnover in most of the region's markets fell below the 30-day average, with Malaysia and Thailand trading at just two-thirds of their average .

Indexes in Singapore <.FTSTI>, Malaysia <.KLSE>, Thailand <.SETI> and Indonesia <.JKSE> reversed Wednesday's gains.

Singapore Telecommunications dropped 2.1 percent and CapitaLand lost 1.6 percent among weak blue chips.

Analysts attributed the bearish sentiment in Singapore to weak U.S. housing data, with housing starts tumbling 22.5 percent last month to an annual rate of 479,000 units, just shy of a record low set in April 2009 and way below economists' expectations for 570,000 units.

Trader's Highlight

NEW YORK, March 16 (Reuters) - The S&P 500 and Nasdaq turned negative for the year on 2011's highest volume in a sharp selloff on Wednesday as investors feared Japan's nuclear crisis could worsen.

The Dow also cut its gains for the year as markets guarded against possible further losses in the near term. Major indexes lost around 2 percent in a volatile session.

The Dow Jones industrial average <.DJI> was down 242.12 points, or 2.04 percent, at 11,613.30. The Standard & Poor's 500 Index <.SPX> was down 24.99 points, or 1.95 percent, at 1,256.88. The Nasdaq Composite Index <.IXIC> was down 50.51 points, or 1.89 percent, at 2,616.82.

NYMEX-NEW YORK, March 16 (Reuters) - U.S. crude oil futures ended higher on Wednesday in volatile trading as Middle East unrest provided lift before mounting concern over Japan's nuclear crisis and weak equities limited gains.

The potential for supply disruption highlighted by violent clashes in Bahrain and Yemen, both near top OPEC producer Saudi Arabia, and continued fighting in Libya supported crude.

On the New York Mercantile Exchange, April crude rose 80 cents, or 0.8 percent, to settle at $97.98 a barrel, trading from $96.22 to $99.60.

CBOT-CHICAGO, March 16 (Reuters) - Chicago Board of Trade soybean futures ended sharply higher on Wednesday, shrugging off concerns about the economic impact of earthquake-ravaged Japan and focusing on soggy weather in Brazil, which is hampering the harvest in its top soy-growing state, traders said.

May soybeans ended 19-1/4 cents a bushel higher at $12.89-1/4, up about 1.5 percent, a solid rebound from Tuesday's limit-down close, when the May contract fell to a 3-1/2-month low.

FCPO-JAKARTA, March 16 (Reuters) - Malaysian palm oil futures shed as much as 3 percent on Wednesday, tracking other commodity prices lower as the nuclear crisis in Japan sent investors scrambling for perceived safe haven assets.

The benchmark May 2011 crude palm oil contract on Bursa Malaysia Derivatives ended down at 3,347 Malaysian ringgit($1,091) a tonne, after earlier touching a low of 3,268 ringgit.

Prices of the vegetable oil, used in products such as food, cosmetics, tyres and biofuels, hit a near four-month low of 3,250 on Tuesday.

REGIONAL EQUITIES-BANGKOK, March 16 (Reuters) - Major Southeast Asian stock markets edged higher on Wednesday despite continuing worries over Japan's nuclear problems, with investors buying companies that depend on the domestic economy and selected power firms.

The potential impact of the Japanese earthquake on regional economies meant trading was generally moderate, with turnover on most markets slightly lower than the 30-day average.

Singapore's share index <.FTSTI> climbed 0.9 percent. It had suffered losses of more than 4 percent in the previous three sessions, among Southeast Asia's worst hit markets.

Asian financial markets in general rallied on Wednesday, with Tokyo stocks rebounding 5.7 percent after a steep two-day sell-off. The MSCI index of Asia Pacific shares outside Japan <.MIAPJ0000PUS> was up 1 percent by 0929 GMT and the MSCI index of emerging market stocks <.MSCIEF> 0.90 percent.

Among advancers, Thai PTT Aromatics and Refining , an integrated complex refinery and aromatics producer, rose 1.4 percent, Malaysia's Shell Refining gained 0.8 percent and Indonesian coal miner Harum Energy climbed 1.7 percent.

Trader's Highlight

DJI-NEW YORK, March 15 (Reuters) - An escalating nuclear crisis in Japan spread fear across financial markets on Tuesday that wiped out about $625 billion in value in stocks and drove investors to the safety of government debt.

Gold fell as much as 3 percent at one point as the worldwide equity selloff forced speculators to sell bullion to cover equity losses. It recovered some losses, however.

The global wave of risk aversion slammed oil prices, driving Brent crude futures below $108 for the first time in three weeks. But unrest in Bahrain and Libya helped pull oil prices off lows.

Benchmark 10-year U.S. Treasury yields declined to their lowest levels in three-months, though much was retraced in the U.S. trading session. Tax-free U.S.municipal bonds, which typically rally when stocks sell off, gained sharply.

NYMEX-NEW YORK, March 15 (Reuters) - U.S. crude oil futures fell nearly 4 percent on Tuesday, their biggest one-day percentage loss in nearly five months, as the worsening nuclear crisis in Japan chased investors from riskier assets.

The International Energy Agency warned that OPEC's cushion of spare oil output to calm the market was at its lowest in four years and that sustained high oil prices will damage world economic recovery.

On the New York Mercantile Exchange, crude for April delivery settled at $97.18 a barrel, down $4.01, or 3.96 percent, after trading from $96.71 to $101.87.

CBOT-CHICAGO, March 15 (Reuters) - Chicago Board of Trade soybean futures fell sharply on Tuesday with the five nearby months down the 70 cent daily trading limit, pressured by a broad-based commodities and equities sell-off as the devastating earthquake in Japan triggered a possible nuclear disaster.

FCPO-JAKARTA, March 15 (Reuters) - Malaysian palm oil futures turned positive late on Tuesday, after earlier falling to a near four-month low, as re-stocking demand continued and low prices tempted buyers, analysts said, reversing losses on worries over risks from Japan's nuclear crisis.

The benchmark May 2011 crude palm oil contract on Bursa Malaysia Derivatives rose 1.5 percent to 3,385 Malaysian ringgit ($1,114) a tonne, and hit a high at 3,420ringgit. The contract earlier hit an intraday trough of 3,250 ringgit, its lowest level since Nov. 26.

REGIONAL EQUITIES-BANGKOK, March 15 (Reuters) - Southeast Asian stock markets dropped on Tuesday as Japan's growing nuclear problems caused widespread selling, with Singapore falling more than 3 percent at one stage to its lowest level since last August.

By 0712 GMT Singapore <.FTSTI> was off 2.6 percent, with turnover topping its 30-day average during the morning. Investors across Asia are fleeing risky assets such as equities and commodities because of uncertainty about world growth after damage caused in Japan by an earthquake on Friday and resulting radiation leaks from nuclear power plants.

Japanese shares plunged 10.6 percent on Tuesday. Asian stocks outside Japan <.MIAP00000PUS> had dropped nearly 3 percent by 0712 GMT and emerging market stocks <.MSCIEF> 1.9 percent.

Among losers in Southeast Asia, PTT , Thailand's biggest listed firm, dropped 2.3 percent as it went ex-dividend, Singapore Telecommunications fell 1.4 percent and Malaysian palm oil stock IOI Corp lost 2.5 percent.

Airline companies fell again because of worries about tourism and travel around the region, with some considering whether they should halt flights to and from Japan.

Thai Airways International fell 4.4 percent, Singapore Airlines lost 3.3 percent and Malaysia's AirAsia , Asia's largest budget carrier by fleet size, dropped 2.8 percent.

By 0717 GMT Indonesia <.JKSE> was down 1.95 percent, Thai stocks <.SETI> fell 1.6 percent by the midsession break and Malaysia <.KLSE> eased 0.8 percent.

Trader's Highlight

DJI-NEW YORK, March 14 (Reuters) - U.S. stocks fell in the aftermath of Japan's ORKdevastating earthquake on Monday, but other than specific industries such as nuclear power, the broad impact on equities was expected to be short-lived.

Trading volume was unusually low compared with other sell-offs, coming in at 7.68 billion shares traded on the New York Stock Exchange, the American Stock Exchange and Nasdaq, below last year's daily average of 8.47 billion. The recent pullback in stocks had been accompanied by high volume.

The Dow Jones industrial average <.DJI> was down 51.24 points, or 0.43 percent, at 11,993.16. The Standard & Poor's 500 Index <.SPX> was down 7.89 points, or 0.60 percent, at 1,296.39. The Nasdaq Composite Index <.IXIC> was down 14.64 points, or 0.54 percent, at 2,700.97.

NYMEX-NEW YORK, March 14 (Reuters) - U.S. crude oil futures edged up on Monday, recovering from the day's losses, on concerns about unrest in the Middle East.

Worries about lower demand from Japan after last week's devastating earthquake limited the day's gains.

Heating oil futures led gainers in the energy complex, with front-month April rising more than 1 percent, on assumptions of higher distillate imports from Japan.

On the New York Mercantile Exchange, crude for April delivery settled at $101.19 a barrel, up 3 cents, or 0.03 percent, after trading from $98.47, lowest since March 1's $96.37 low, to $101.29.

CBOT-CHICAGO, March 14 (Reuters) - Chicago Board of Trade May soybean futures ended higher, with midday gains sustained by late-session fund buying in thin trading, traders said.

Prices had rebounded from a lower opening amid commercial buying despite ongoing worries about the global economic impact of the horrific earthquake and tsunami that hit Japan on Friday.

Soybeans also shrugged off pressure from a lower-than-expected monthly crushing data released Monday by the National Oilseeds Processors Association.

REGIONAL EQUITIES-BANGKOK, March 14 (Reuters) - Thai and Indonesian stocks climbed higher on Monday as buyers flocked to resource-related shares, including refineries that are likely to benefit from tight supply and rising margins after the earthquake in Japan.

That helped offset the general hit to sentiment from the devastating earthquake and tsunami, which are likely to depress demand from Japan, a big importer and investor in Southeast Asia.

Thailand's benchmark SET index <.SETI> gained 1.6 percent, with turnover falling short of its 30-day average. Indonesia <.JKSE> posted a smaller 0.8 percent rise, but other markets in the region fell.

Trader's Highlight

DJI-NEW YORK, March 11 (Reuters) - U.S. stocks closed the week on a high note on Friday, on relief that unrest did not engulf top oil producer Saudi Arabia, calming some investors who worried the market was entering a near-term slide.

Stocks snapped back from early-week losses even as other markets were hit hard by a devastating earthquake in Japan, the country's strongest on record. Oil refiners and
industrial-related shares led Wall Street higher.

The Dow Jones industrial average <.DJI> rose 59.79 points, or 0.50 percent, at 12,044.40. The Standard & Poor's 500 Index <.SPX> climbed 9.17 points, or 0.71 percent, at 1,304.28. The Nasdaq Composite Index <.IXIC> added 14.59 points, or 0.54 percent, at 2,715.61.

NYMEX-NEW YORK, March 11 (Reuters) - U.S. crude oil futures ended lower for a fourth day on Friday after a massive earthquake pounded Japan, raising worries of lower oil demand in the world's third largest oil consumer.

A security clampdown in the Saudi capital of Riyadh kept protests muted on a planned "Day of Rage," and police action in Kuwait and Bahrain neutralized activists, helping keep the oil price from going up.

On the New York Mercantile Exchange, crude for April delivery settled at $101.16 a barrel, down $1.54, after trading between $99.01 and $103.

CBOT-CHICAGO, March 11 (Reuters) - Chicago Board of Trade soybean futures closed sharply lower on Friday, unable to shake off early losses that came amid liquidation of long positions following a massive earthquake in Japan, traders said.

End-user buying tempered soybean losses around midday, but prices remained under pressure. Traders said funds were sellers on the way way down, dwarfing commercial buyers.

FCPO-KUALA LUMPUR, March 11 (Reuters) - Malaysian palm oil dropped to a two week low on Friday and notched its worst weekly loss in more than two years after a massive earthquake hit Japan, adding to a bleak global economic outlook.

Palm oil lost 8.1 percent this week after industry regulator reported that stocks in No.2 producer Malaysia rose to a two-month high on unexpectedly strong production and higher imports.

The benchmark May crude palm oil contract on Bursa Malaysia Derivatives dropped as much as 3 percent to 3,356 ringgit ($1,146), a level unseen since Feb. 24.The market ended at 3,364 ringgit. Traded volume more than doubled to 33,383 lots of 25 tonnes each, compared to the usual 15,000 lots.

REGIONAL EQUITIES-BANGKOK, March 11 (Reuters) - Major Southeast Asian stock markets fell more than 1 percent on Friday as a massive earthquake hit Japan and fuelled late selling in markets already jittery about the unrest in oil-producing countries.

Southeast Asian exporters to Japan were among the losers, worried about this latest setback to Japan's economy, while airline firms fell on fears of a drop in tourist numbers.

Most regional markets posted losses for the week, reversing last week's gains, as investors worried that the spike in oil prices would increase inflationary pressure and hurt emerging economies. Other Asian markets fell, too.

Singapore's main share index <.FTSTI> hovered around two-week lows, with most others around a one-week low.

A tsunami warning has been issued for the entire Pacific basin, including Indonesia and the Philippines, following the Japanese earthquake.

Singapore Airlines , the world's second most valuable carrier, eased 1.6 percent, Malaysian national carrier Malaysian Airline System dropped 2.1 percent and Thai Airways International plunged 4.2 percent.

Elsewhere, Malaysia's central bank lifted bank reserve requirements on Friday but kept interest rates on hold, while signalling that a rise could be on the cards as food and fuel inflation force a tightening across much of Asia.

Trader's Highlight

DJI-NEW YORK, March 9 (Reuters) - A weak outlook from Texas Instruments weighed on the Nasdaq on Wednesday and pushed an index of chip makers below a key technical level in a worrisome sign for the market's six-month uptrend.

The PHLX semiconductor index <.SOX> fell 3 percent to close below its 50-day moving average, which represents medium-term momentum, for the first time since September.

Texas Instruments led the losers, after its earnings target disappointed Wall Street. Its shares fell 3.1 percent to $34.74.

The Dow Jones industrial average <.DJI> dipped 1.29 points, or 0.01 percent, to finish at 12,213.09. The Standard & Poor's 500 Index <.SPX> shed 1.80 points, or 0.14 percent, to end at 1,320.02. The Nasdaq Composite Index <.IXIC> fell 14.05 points, or 0.51 percent, to close at 2,751.72.

NYMEX-NEW YORK, March 9 (Reuters) - U.S. crude oil futures settled lower on Wednesday as a government report of rising crude stocks, especially at the key Cushing, Oklahoma, storage hub, pressured U.S. prices despite the intensifying conflict in Libya that helped lift Brent crude.

Total U.S. crude inventories rose 2.52 million barrels in the week to March 4, more than expected, the U.S. Energy Information Administration said in its weekly report. Stocks at Cushing hit a record high 40.26 million barrels, according to the report.

On the New York Mercantile Exchange, April crude fell 64 cents, or 0.61 percent, to settle at $104.38 a barrel, having traded from $103.90 to $105.92.

CBOT-CHICAGO, March 9 (Reuters) - Chicago Board of Trade soybean
futures dropped for the third straight day on Wednesday on harvesting of a likely bumper South American soybean crop and fund long-liquidation ahead of the release on Thursday of USDA's March supply/demand and crop production reports.

FCPO-KUALA LUMPUR, March 9 (Reuters) - Malaysian crude palm oil ended off five-week lows on Wednesday as traders rebalanced their positions ahead of a slew of industry data.

The market shifted its focus from bullish forecasts from a price outlook conference to Malaysian industry data due on Thursday as well as a U.S. Department of Agriculture report showing global demand and supply scenario for food commodities.

The Malaysian Palm Oil Board will issue February palm oil stocks, production and exports on Thursday. Cargo surveyors will issue March 1-10 export data on the same day.

The benchmark May palm oil contract on the Bursa Malaysia Derivatives Exchange fell as much as 27 ringgit to 3,557 ringgit per tonne, a level not seen since Feb. 3, before settling nearly flat at 3,585 ringgit.

Traded volume stood at 13,566 lots at 25 tonnes versus the usual 15,000 lots as most market participants were at the Bursa Malaysia palm oil conference.

REGIONAL EQUITIES-BANGKOK, March 9 (Reuters) - Some Southeast Asian bourses posted small gains on Wednesday but investors remained wary of turmoil in the Middle East and sought refuge in defensive stocks such as telecoms, selling energy shares as oil fell back.

Market volume picked up as the region's valuations helped lure buyers to selected sectors. Thailand, Indonesia and Malaysia all saw turnover go above their 30-day average.

The main Thai index fell marginally on the day but broker CIMB raised its rating on Thailand to "overweight" from "neutral" and maintained Indonesia at "overweight". It put Singapore and Malaysia at "neutral".

Investors put money into telecom shares, pushing Singapore Telecommunications 1.3 percent higher and PT Telekomunikasi Indonesia (Telkom) , Indonesia's biggest telecommunications firm, up 2.1 percent.

Trader's Highlight

DJI-NEW YORK, March 8 (Reuters) - An upbeat profit forecast from Bank of America and a pullback in oil prices lifted Wall Street out of the technical danger zone on Tuesday in another sign of the market's near-term resilience.

The S&P 500 jumped back above a six-month trend line after closing just below it on Monday. Holding this level is a sign of strength, but traders will grow wary the more it is tested.

The Dow Jones industrial average <.DJI> gained 124.58 points, or 1.03 percent, to 12,214.61. The Standard & Poor's 500 Index <.SPX> added 11.69 points, or 0.89 percent, to 1,321.82. The Nasdaq Composite Index <.IXIC> rose 20.14 points, or 0.73 percent, to 2,765.77.

NYMEX-NEW YORK, March 8 (Reuters) - U.S. crude oil futures edged lower on Tuesday after Kuwait's oil minister said OPEC was considering raising output to cover any supply deficit that might stem from the Libyan conflict.

Even as worries about supply disruptions in the Middle East and North Africa persisted, Algeria's minister of energy and mines, Yousef Yousfi, said there are no plans for an extraordinary OPEC meeting at this time.

On the New York Mercantile Exchange, crude for April delivery settled at $105.02 a barrel, down 42 cents, or 0.4 percent, after trading from $103.33 to $105.79.

CBOT-CHICAGO, March 8 (Reuters) - Chicago Board of Trade soybean futures fell for the second straight session on Tuesday on harvest pressure from what is expected to be a large South American crop, traders said.

Concerns about a slowdown in global economic expansion as high crude oil prices firm and technical selling also weighed on soybean futures.

FCPO-KUALA LUMPUR, March 8 (Reuters) - Malaysian crude palm oil dropped as much as 3.4 percent on Tuesday as a rally in crude oil lost some steam, while prospects of a strong South American soy crop also weighed on sentiment.

Traders seized the opportunity to book profits ahead of a key price outlook session on Wednesday at the Bursa Malaysia Palm Oil Conference where top analysts will present their views.

The benchmark May contract on the Bursa Malaysia Derivatives Exchange fell as much as 124 ringgit to 3,571 Malaysian ringgit ($1,178) before settling at 3,584 ringgit. Traded volume stood at 17,621 lots at 25 tonnes versus the usual 15,000 lots.

REGIONAL EQUITIES-BANGKOK, March 8 (Reuters) - Southeast Asian stock markets rose on Tuesday as hopes of higher oil output from producers revived risk appetite and bargain hunters bought Thai banks on expectations of higher interest rates.

Kuwait's oil minister said OPEC was in talks to boost production for the first time in more than two years, which prompted late buying in the region and pushed up Asian stocks elsewhere.

Most regional indexes hovered around multi-week highs but market players were still cautious about inflationary pressure, which put economic growth at risk, dealers said.

Banks in Singapore were among bright spots, with leader DBS Group Holdings and United Overseas Bank more than 1 percent higher. Dealers attributed the buying to short-covering.

Trader's Highlight

DJI-NEW YORK, March 7 (Reuters) - Technology stocks sold off on Monday, with the Nasdaq teetering on a key technical support level as uncertainty over higher oil prices looks set to drive volatility in the days ahead.

The Nasdaq composite index <.IXIC> dropped 1.4 percent and closed just above its 50-day moving average, a widely followed technical level that if breached could signal more declines in the sector that has helped lead the market rally.

Wells Fargo downgraded the semiconductor sector, noting its strong upward moves. The PHLX semiconductor index <.SOX> has risen 130 percent since March 2009. The index also is up 45 percent since the start of September, while the broad S&P 500 has advanced about 25 percent in that period.

NYMEX-NEW YORK, March 7 (Reuters) - U.S. crude oil futures prices rose 2 percent Monday as the conflict in Libya and concerns about the unrest in the region threatening oil flows from other producers sent NYMEX crude above $106 a barrel.

Intensified fighting in Libya and worry that the unrest in North Africa and the Middle East could affect larger producers, including OPEC's top exporter Saudi Arabia have sent both U.S. and Brent crude prices to their highest since 2008.

On the New York Mercantile Exchange, April crude rose $2.28, or 2.2 percent, to $104.42 a barrel at 8:47 a.m. EST (1347 GMT), trading from $104.25 to $106.95.

FCPO-KUALA LUMPUR, March 7 (Reuters) - Malaysian crude palm oil hit two-week highs before paring some gains on Monday, as traders hoped stronger energy prices would strengthen the appeal of biodiesel as unrest in Libya threatens to cut crude oil supplies.

Palm oil prices were also supported by the Malaysian Palm Oil Board (MPOB) chairman's view that stocks in the world's No.2 producer would remain low until April.

Traders expect palm oil prices, which have dropped more than 2 percent so far this year, to rebound during the three-day Bursa Malaysia Palm Oil Conference this week at which analysts are likely to present an upbeat outlook for the industry.

Benchmark May contract on the Bursa Malaysia Derivatives Exchange rose to its highest level since Feb. 22 of 3,700 ringgit ($1,221.324) per tonne before easing to close at 3,695 ringgit ($1,219.673). Traded volume stood at 16,177 lots at 25 tonnes each, above the usual 15,000 lots.

REGIONAL EQUITIES-BANGKOK, March 7 (Reuters) - Most Southeast Asian stock markets posted small gains on Monday as a surge in global oil prices spurred buying in energy and resource shares but investors were worried about rising costs in several other sectors.

The region saw a choppy session and lower volume because of the unrest in Libya. Turnover in Malaysia <.KLSE> fell to 0.6 times the 30-day average, with Singapore <.FTSTI> and Vietnam <.VNI> reporting similarly weak figures.

Singapore's Straits Times Index <.FTSTI> came off its day's high to end up 0.2 percent, but Malaysia's index <.KLSE> ended down 0.45 percent, hovering in negative territory throughout the session.

Among outperformers, Singapore's Sembcorp Marine , the world's second-largest oil rig builder, climbed 2.4 percent and Indonesia's largest gas distributor, PT Perusahaaan Gas Negara , jumped 3.5 percent.

Banks were weak, with Malaysia's biggest, Maybank , down 0.3 percent, Singapore's DBS Group Holdings off 1 percent and top Thai lender Bangkok Bank 1.5 percent lower.

Trader's Highlight

DJI-NEW YORK, March 4 (Reuters) - Wall Street erased most of its weekly gains on Friday as fears of more geopolitical turmoil and higher oil prices threaten to stifle rallies in coming weeks.

The worries overshadowed strong labor market news. U.S. unemployment fell below 9 percent for the first time in nearly two years, but investors quickly turned to focus on intensified fighting in Libya and simmering unrest throughout the region.

The Dow Jones industrial average <.DJI> was down 88.32 points, or 0.72 percent, at 12,169.88. The Standard & Poor's 500 Index <.SPX> was down 9.82 points, or 0.74 percent, at 1,321.15. The Nasdaq Composite Index <.IXIC> was down 14.07 points, or 0.50 percent, at 2,784.67.

NYMEX-NEW YORK, March 4 (Reuters) - U.S. crude oil futures rose to a near 2-1/2 year high on Friday as fierce fighting between loyalists to Libya's Muammar Gaddaffi and rebels seeking to oust him from power raised more fears of supply disruptions.

Upbeat U.S. jobs data helped lift crude futures at a faster pace than their Brent counterpart traded in London, narrowing the discount of U.S. crude against Brent to $11.55 a barrel from $12.88 at the close on Thursday.

On the New York Mercantile Exchange, crude for April delivery settled at $104.42 a barrel, gaining $2.51, or 2.46 percent, the highest since the Sept. 26, 2008 close at $106.89. The contract traded from $101.54 to $104.60.

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

CBOT-SOYBEANS - May up 2 cents at $14.14 per bushel. New-crop November down 1-1/2 cents at $13.61. Supported by labor unrest at Argentine ports that was posing a threat to soy shipments, wet weather in portions of Brazil that was slowing soy harvest and gains in crude oil that gave soyoil a boost.

CBOT-SOYOIL - May up 0.71 cent per lb at 59.48. Boosted by gains in crude oil, higher soybeans and oil/meal spreading.

FCPO-JAKARTA, March 4 (Reuters) - Malaysian palm oil futures climbed to a one-week high on Friday, with sentiment driven by rising crude prices as the crisis in Libya and parts of the Middle East showed little sign of resolution.

The benchmark May 2011 crude palm oil contract on Bursa Malaysia Derivatives added 1.7 percent to 3,660 Malaysian ringgit ($1,207) a tonne. Earlier, prices rose to a high of 3,665 ringgit, the highest since Feb. 22.

Overall, traded volume stood at 11,410 lots of 25 tonnes each, compared with a one-week high of 16,012 lots on Thursday.

REGIONAL EQUITIES-BANGKOK, March 4 (Reuters) - Southeast Asian stock markets rose on Friday amid optimism about the U.S. economic recovery and a decision by Indonesia to maintain interest rates boosted big-cap banks, pushing its market index to a five-week high.

Most indexes were around multi-week highs, with Singapore <.FTSTI> edging up 0.8 percent, Malaysia <.KLSE> 1 percent, Thailand <.SETI> almost 1 percent and the Philippines up 1.3 percent.

In Singapore, developer Hongkong Land jumped 3.8 percent after it reported strong annual earnings but commodity trading firm Noble Group fell 2.3 percent after it said it had entered into a share placement agreement.