Breaking News-RTRS-US 2010/11 soyoil for biodiesel 2.8 bln lbs -USDA

WASHINGTON, Feb 19 (Reuters) - Some 2.800 billion lbs of U.S. soybean
oil will be used in making biodiesel fuel in 2010/11, said the Agriculture
Department on Friday.

Trader's Highlight

DJI-NEW YORK, Feb 19 (Reuters) - The dollar gained broadly and stocks edged higher worldwide on Friday after investors swept aside negative views of a surprise move by the U.S. Federal Reserve to hike an emergency lending rate and took it as a sign of a healing economy.

Stocks on Wall Street closed out their best week of the year after a zig-zag session as investors weighed the Federal Reserve decision late Thursday to raise its discount rate for banks by one-quarter percentage point to 0.75 percent.

NYMEX-NEW YORK, Feb 19 (Reuters) - U.S. crude oil futures ended
higher for the fourth day in a row on Friday, amid supply worries in the wake of a strike in French refineries and on geopolitical tensions over Iran's nuclear posture.

Oil futures rose with Wall Street as concerns eased about the Federal Reserve's discount rate increase late Thursday, which had pulled back prices overnight and in early trading.

On the New York Mercantile Exchange, March crude settled up 75 cents, or 0.95 percent, at $79.81 a barrel, the highest close since Jan. 14's $79.39. It traded from $77.76 to $79.95, the highest since Jan. 14's intraday high of $80.36.

CBOT-CHICAGO, Feb 19 (Reuters) - Chicago Board of Trade grains and soy complex close on Friday.

CBOT-SOYBEANS - March down 3 cents at $9.45 per bushel.
Pressure from rallying dollar, with ongoing weight from outlooks for record large South American soybean crop. Weekly exports disappoint.

CBOT-SOYOIL - March down 0.18 cent at 38.52 cents per lb. Pressure from unwinding of oil/meal spreads, but higher crude oil futures limit declines.

FCPO-KUALA LUMPUR, Feb 19 (Reuters) - Malaysia palm oil edged lower on Friday as it was weighed by a firmer dollar and weaker commodity markets after the U.S. Federal Reserve's move to raise its emergency lending rate.

But a lack of palm oil supplies capped losses in the market, while traders were on the lookout for export data due over the weekend and next week for further direction.

REGIONAL EQUITIES-BANGKOK, Feb 19 (Reuters) - Singapore shares touched a one-week low on Friday and most other Southeast Asian markets also eased after the U.S. Federal Reserve raised its discount rate, raising fears about broader policy tightening.

Singapore's index <.FTSTI> ended down 0.44 percent, earlier falling to its lowest since Feb. 10, Malaysia <.KLSE> edged down 0.11 percent, Indonesia <.JKSE> was off 0.22 percent and the Philippines <.PSI> dropped 0.7 percent.

In Kuala Lumpur, gaming group Genting fell 2.8 percent and Genting Malaysia , which houses the group's Malaysian casino and leisure business, lost 1.8 percent.

NYMEX Crude Weekly: sideways to bias upside potential

A good closing for the week with printed a long white candle had helped to improve the market momentum bias sideways to little upside potential. Thus, we are now looking for the upside resistance at USD83.95 (high since 17/1/2010) and downside support is pegged at USD69.50 (low since 7/2/2010)

FCPO Weekly: Improving

Market continue to holding ground and overall momentum improve a little following prices defended well at 2500 levels. However, more strength is still needed in order to change the current technical landscape to look more positively. Thus, we continue to look for the upside resistance at 2650-2675 followed by 2726. While, immediate downside support is still lies at 2542-2523 (gap left over on 14/2/2010) followed by 2400-2393.

FKLI Weekly: Consolidate

Market was in consolidation phase with upside resistance and downside support is pegged at 1270 and 1219.5 levels respectively.

Breaking News-RTRS-UPDATE 5-USDA projects record corn crop, rising exports

WASHINGTON, Feb 18 (Reuters) - U.S. farmers can expect a
record corn crop, another huge soybean harvest and strong
demand for their exports, which should combine to boost incomes
for the farm sector this year, the U.S. Agriculture Department
said on Thursday in its latest forecast.
At its annual outlook conference, USDA raised its forecast
for farm exports in fiscal 2010 to $100 billion from the $98
billion it estimated in November and $96.6 billion in 2009, as
world demand begins to recover from recession.

Breaking News-RTRS-UPDATE 2-Fed hikes discount rate but not tightening policy

WASHINGTON, Feb 18 (Reuters) - The Federal Reserve said on Thursday it raised the interest rate it charges banks for emergency loans but insisted that its first rate move since December 2008 would not raise borrowing costs for consumers or companies.
The Fed cast its decision to raise the discount rate to 0.75 percent from 0.5 percent as a response to improved financial market conditions that warrant less of a helping hand from the U.S. central bank.

Trader's Highlight

DJI-NEW YORK, Feb 18 (Reuters) - U.S. stocks rose for a third straight day on Thursday as investors viewed company results and manufacturing data as evidence the economic rebound will continue.

But stock index futures dropped steeply after the closing bell when the Federal Reserve announced it was raising the discount rate that it charges banks for emergency loans.

NYMEX-NEW YORK, Feb 18 (Reuters) - U.S. crude futures ended above $79 a barrel on Thursday, hitting a five-week high, amid worries over Iran's nuclear program and upbeat U.S. economic reports.

Improved readings on manufacturing and overall growth, overshadowed data showing a rise in unemployment claims and in the producer price index, and brightened the recovery outlook.

On the New York Mercantile Exchange, March crude settled up $1.73, or 2.24 percent, at $79.06 a barrel, the highest close since Jan. 14's $79.39. It traded from $76.32 to $79.11, highest since front month crude hit $79.15 on Jan. 19.

CBOT-CHICAGO, Feb 18 (Reuters) - Chicago Board of Trade grains and soy complex close on Thursday.

CBOT-SOYBEANS - March down 3-1/2 cents at $9.48 per bushel. Turned lower as dollar rallied against the euro. Outlooks for big South American crops add pressure including increased selling by South American farmers.

CBOT-SOYOIL - March down 0.05 cent at 38.70 cents a lb. Following downturn in soybeans, but strength in crude oil lends underlying support.

FCPO-KUALA LUMPUR, Feb 18 (Reuters) - Malaysian palm oil futures eased on Thursday from five-week highs hit the previous session as traders booked profits on the back of declines in rival crude oil and soyoil markets.

But expectations of weaker output this month due to the Lunar New Year holidays limited losses. Palm oil is the best performing vegetable oil market this year, falling just 2.3 percent, compared to U.S soyoil's 4.1 percent declines.

REGIONAL EQUITIES-BANGKOK, Feb 18 (Reuters) - Singapore shares fell almost 1
percent on Thursday, leading losses in other Southeast Asian markets amid lingering worries over Greece's fiscal problems, with a stronger dollar prompting selling in resource shares.

The Straits Times Index <.FTSTI> ended down 0.9 percent, after a three-day run to a three-week high, with actively traded gaming group Genting dropping 6.9 percent and commodities firm Olam International 2.7 percent.

In Kuala Lumpur, the index ended a four-day rise, weighed down by a 2.2 percent loss in Genting and a 0.6 percent fall in palm plantation firm IOI Corp .

FCPO Daily: Entering into consolidation phase

Market slow down its upside move following prices covered partial of the downside gap left over. Market looks may enter into consolidation phase in near term. As for now, we looking for the immediate upside resistance at 2628 followed by 2648. While, downside support is lies at 2600-2580 (gap left over since 17/2/2010)followed by 2546-2523 (gap left over since 8/2/2010).

FKLI Daily: Holding ground

Market continue to hold ground and may may extend its consolidation phase in near term. To the upside, resistance is now looking at 1261.5 followed by 1270-1275. Downside support is pegged at 1230 levels followed by 1219.5.

Trader's Highlight

DJI-NEW YORK, Feb 17 (Reuters) - Stronger-than-expected corporate results and upbeat economic data drove U.S. stocks higher on Wednesday as they fed expectations the recovery will bolster corporate profits.

The optimistic outlook on the economy was underpinned by data showing a six-month high in housing starts and a rise in industrial production in January.

NYMEX-NEW YORK, Feb 17 (Reuters) - U.S. crude futures were little changed on Wednesday after weekly industry inventory data showed a small drawdown in domestic crude stocks, defying forecasts that supplies rose last week.

Heating oil futures trimmed gains after the American Petroleum Institute's data showed that distillates, including heating oil stocks, gained, dashing forecasts for a drawdown.

On the New York Mercantile Exchange, March crude last traded up 36 cents, or 0.47 percent, at $77.37 a barrel in the after-market. It had settled earlier up 32 cents, or 0.42 percent, at $77.33, trading from $76.53 to $77.82.

CBOT-CHICAGO, Feb 17 (Reuters) - Chicago Board of Trade grains and soy complex close on Wednesday.

CBOT-SOYBEANS - March down 14 cents at $9.51-1/2 per bushel. Profit-taking and firm dollar weigh on prices along with ongoing pressure from expectations of a record large South American soy harvest.

CBOT-SOYOIL - March down 0.20 cent at 38.75 cents per lb. Following soybeans lower.

FCPO-KUALA LUMPUR, Feb 17 (Reuters) - Malaysian palm oil futures rose to more than a five-week high on Wednesday after the Lunar New Year holidays as traders priced in earlier gains from crude oil and rival soyoil.

Expectations of weaker production this month due to the Lunar New Year holidays are likely to offset poor export data reported by a cargo surveyor on Tuesday, keeping palm oil prices above the 2,550 ringgit level, traders say.

REGIONAL EQUITIES-BANGKOK, Feb 17 (Reuters) - Singapore stocks rose to their highest in three weeks on Wednesday, leading gains in other Southeast Asian stock markets as global economic optimism pushed up oil prices and spurred buying in regional commodity shares.

Singapore <.FTSTI> ended up 1.3 percent, earlier hitting its highest since since Jan. 26, with coal miner Straits Asia Resources surging 5.7 percent. Noble Group rose 3 percent while Olam

Malaysia <.KLSE> was up 0.5 percent at its highest since Feb. 4, Indonesia <.JKSE> rose 0.9 percent to the highest since Feb. 5, and the Philippines <.PSI> surged 1.7 percent to its highest since Jan. 22, building on a 6 percent gain in the previous five sessions.

CBOT Soyoil Daily: May challenge Usc40.00

Market took a breathe after the recent sharp rise and looks may want to challenge the physiological resistance at Usc40.00. Violation of it may provide more room to bias upside potential in near term. To the downside support is pegged at Usc38.00

FCPO Daily: Remains sideways to higher

Market continue to inch higher after violated the immediate resistance at 2600-2620 levels convincingly. Market looks may extend its sideways to higher move in near term. To the upside, resistance is pegged at 2648 followed by 2667-2675 (gap left over on 7/1/2010). While, downside support is lies at 2606-2580 (gap left over on 17/2/2010).

FKLI Daily: in consolidation phase

Market rebounded to cover the upside gap left over since 5/2/2010. However, the upward momentum was not convincing enough. Thus, market may extend its consolidation phase in near term. To the upside, resistance is looking at 1270-1275. Downside support is pegged at 1230 levels.

Breaking News-RTRS-Indonesia's Astra Agro, KPB hold no palm oil tender

JAKARTA, Feb 15 (Reuters) - Indonesia's largest listed plantation firm PT Astra Agro Lestari Tbk and PT KPB Nusantara (formerly known as the state marketing centre) said they did not hold palm oil tenders on Monday.

Breaking News-RTRS-NOPA January U.S. crush seen at 161.8 mln bu

CHICAGO, Feb 12 (Reuters) - National Oilseed Processors Association monthly crush data to be released Tuesday morning should show the January U.S. soybean crush at 161.8 million bushels, analysts projected on Friday.

Breaking News-NOPA delays monthly soy crush report to Wednesday

WASHINGTON, Feb 16 (Reuters) - The National Oilseed Processors Association said it delayed the release of its monthly soybean crush report by one day, to Wednesday, due to bad weather.

Trader's Highlight

DJI-NEW YORK, Feb 16 (Reuters) - Global stocks surged on Tuesday, lifted by upbeat results from British bank Barclay's and strong U.S. factory data, while the euro posted its biggest single-day gain versus the dollar since June on bets the currency had fallen too far over Greece's financial woes.

U.S. stocks posted their biggest daily percentage gain in three months and European equities rose 1 percent, as investors regained faith in an economic recovery and plowed back into riskier investments.

NYMEX-NEW YORK, Feb 16 (Reuters) - U.S. crude oil futures ended nearly 4 percent higher on Tuesday as improved manufacturing data that boosted optimism about the economy lifted the stock market and hope for better demand for oil.

The dollar's weakness against the euro and tensions over Iran's nuclear program also helped lift oil futures, along with recent cold weather supportive to heating oil.

On the New York Mercantile Exchange, March crude rose $2.88, or 3.89 percent, to settle at $77.01 a barrel, trading from $73.71 to $77.28.

CBOT-CHICAGO, Feb 16 (Reuters) - Chicago Board of Trade grains and soy complex close on Tuesday.

CBOT-SOYBEANS - March up 20-1/2 cents at $9.65-1/2 per bushel. Front-month March climbed to a four-week peak on weak dollar, higher crude oil and equities, and short-covering.

CBOT-SOYOIL-March up 1.11 cents at 38.95 cents per lb. Following soybeans and higher crude oil.

FCPO-JAKARTA, Feb 12 (Reuters) - Malaysian palm oil futures closed unchanged on Friday after recouping an earlier 1.3 percent loss as traders covered short positions anticipating possible gains after the Chinese New Year holidays next week, traders said.

Traded volume was below the usual 10,000 lots as traders left early for the holidays or simply did not trade.

REGIONAL EQUITIES-BANGKOK, Feb 16 (Reuters) - Indonesian stocks climbed to their highest in almost two weeks on Tuesday as investors bought resource shares, and Thai shares also rose, although to a lesser extent as political worries deterred some investors.

Manila <.PSI> edged higher, while Singapore <.FTSTI> and Malaysia <.KLSE> remained closed for the Lunar New Year holiday. They will resume trading on Wednesday, but Vietnam <.VNI> is closed for the week.

FCPO Weekly: Holding ground

Market rebounded after found some support at 2400-2393 levels. However, more strength is still needed in order for market to gain more ground. Thus, we are now looking for the upside resistance at 2650-2675 followed by 2726. While, immediate downside support will be looking at 2542-2523 (gap left over on 14/2/2010) followed by 2400-2393.

FKLI Weekly: Market momentum remains weak

Market momentum remains weak and is trying to defend at 1200 physiological support. Violation of 1200 levels may provide more room to bias downside potential in near term. To the upside, resistance is looking at 1265.0-1270.0 followed by 1285.