Trader's Highlight

DJI-NEW YORK, June 9 (Reuters) - U.S. stocks fell on Wednesday in another late-day roller-coaster ride, dragged lower by BP and other energy shares as the U.S. probe of the oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico deepened.

New York-traded shares of BP plc fell 15.8 percent to below $30 on growing worries about the costs the energy giant will have to assume because of the spill.

The Dow Jones industrial average <.DJI> dropped 40.73 points, or 0.41 percent, to 9,899.25. The Standard & Poor's 500 Index <.SPX> fell 6.31 points, or 0.59 percent, to 1,055.69. The Nasdaq Composite Index <.IXIC> lost 11.72 points, or 0.54 percent, to 2,158.85.

NYMEX-NEW YORK, June 9 (Reuters) - U.S. crude oil futures ended up more than 3 percent on Wednesday as news of a surge in Chinese exports in May and data that U.S. crude inventories dropped more than expected last week improved risk appetite.

Crude's gains were part of an overall advance in an array of commodities. The Reuters-Jefferies CRB index comprising 19 commodities <.CRB> posted its biggest daily gain in two weeks as oil, metals and crop prices surged.

On the New York Mercantile Exchange, July crude settled up $2.39, or 3.32 percent, at $74.38 a barrel, trading from $72.03 to $74.96, highest since Friday's $75.42 intraday peak. The contract settled up 55 cents at $71.99 on Tuesday.

CBOT-CHICAGO, June 9 (Reuters) - Chicago Board of Trade grains and soy complex closing trends on Wednesday.

CBOT-SOYBEANS - July up 12-1/2 cents at $9.43-1/2 per bushel; new-crop November up 2-1/4 cents at $8.96-1/2. Rebounds from three-month low due to tight supplies around the U.S. Midwest and news of fresh sales to China. Spread between front month and deferred contract widens as expectations build for a large crop this year.

CBOT-SOYOIL - July up 0.08 cent at 36.75 cents per lb. Export interest from China boosts prices. Gains in crude oil market also supportive.

FCPO-KUALA LUMPUR, June 9 (Reuters) - Malaysian crude palm oil futures ended offfive-month lows on Wednesday after leaked China trade data showing exports surged last month suggested Asia's economic growth was on the path to recovery.

But the palm oil market stayed in negative territory on lingering concerns that the euro zone debt crisis may lead to a double-dip recession in other parts of the world.

Palm oil traders expected inventories in Malaysia to make little headway in May despite strong exports as production rose and crude palm oil imports from Indonesia were steady -- a scenario still weighing on prices.

The benchmark August crude palm oil futures on the Bursa Malaysia Derivatives Exchange ended down 14 ringgit at 2,418 ringgit ($727) after going as low as 2,402 ringgit -- a level unseen since Jan. 27. Traded volume more than doubled to 25,459 lots of 25 tonnes each from the usual 10,000 lots.

REGIONAL EQUITIES-BANGKOK, June 9 (Reuters) - Southeast Asian stock markets ended mostly firmer on Wednesday as news of stronger-than-expected exports from China offset worries that Europe's debt problems would stifle demand for Asian goods.

Thailand <.SETI> climbed 0.9 percent, ending two sessions of falls, with financials and energy stocks higher. Malaysia <.KLSE> and Indonesia <.JKSE> both posted small gains while Singapore <.FTSTI> and the Philippines <.PSI> drifted lower.

In Kuala Lumpur, AirAsia jumped 4.7 percent after a newspaper reported its long-haul budget carrier, AirAsia X, planned to launch an initial public offering in the second half of 2011 to tap public funds for growth. [ID:nSGE6570QA]

In Singapore, big caps pulled the market lower. Top lender DBS Group Holdings and the biggest developer CapitaLand both fell 0.6 percent.

Trader's Highlight

DJI-NEW YORK, June 8 (Reuters) - U.S. stocks mostly rose in volatile trading on Tuesday, led by materials and financial shares, but investors shied away from big-cap technology shares on concerns about their European exposure.

Once again, the market was treated to late-day volatility, this time with stocks closing at or near session highs after a wobbly session.

The Dow Jones industrial average <.DJI> gained 123.49 points, or 1.26 percent, to 9,939.98. The Standard & Poor's 500 Index <.SPX> rose 11.53 points, or 1.10 percent, to 1,062.00. But the Nasdaq Composite Index <.IXIC> dropped 3.33 points, or 0.15 percent, to 2,170.57.

NYMEX-NEW YORK, June 8 (Reuters) - U.S. crude oil futures rebounded on Tuesday as risk appetite improved with the dollar weakening against the euro and ahead of inventory data forecast to show that domestic crude stocks fell last week.

Crude got an early lift from Wall Street, which opened higher the session after Federal Reserve Chairman Ben Bernanke said the U.S. economy appeared to have enough momentum to avoid a double-dip recession.

On the New York Mercantile Exchange, crude for July delivery settled up 55 cents, or 0.77 percent, at $71.99 a barrel. It was an "inside day" for July crude, trading from $70.75 to $72.40, against Monday's $69.51 to $72.49 range.

CBOT-CHICAGO, June 8 (Reuters) - U.S. soybean futures fell on Tuesday due to strong crop ratings from the U.S. Agriculture Department and technical selling.

CBOT-SOYBEANS - July last down 8 cents at $9.27 per bushel. USDA soybean ratings 75 percent good to excellent, planting 84 percent complete, topping forecasts for 70 percent.

CBOT-SOYOIL - July last up 0.18 cent at 36.65 cents per lb. Strength in crude oil supportive.

FCPO-KUALA LUMPUR, June 8 (Reuters) - Malaysian crude palm oil futures hit fresh one-week lows on Tuesday as concerns over the fiscal health of European economies sapped sentiment.

Expectations of higher Malaysian production in May partly weighed on the market, which has dropped nearly 9 percent so far this year.

A Reuters poll showed output rose 6 percent in the last month from April although resilient local and foreign demand put stocks in the world's No. 2 producer at 8-month lows.

The benchmark August crude palm oil futures on the Bursa Malaysia Derivatives Exchange traded 0.7 percent lower to 2,431 ringgit ($733.3) per tonne. Traded volume was heavy, rising to 14,202 lots of 25 tonnes each from the usual 10,000 lots.

REGIONAL EQUITIES-BANGKOK, June 8 (Reuters) - Indonesian shares climbed 1 percent on Tuesday while most Southeast Asian stocks ended mixed as energy and resource shares recouped recent losses.

Several bourses in the region took a breather after recent sell-offs on concern about euro zone debt and ahead of Chinese economic data and a European Central Bank meeting later in the week.

Singapore <.FTSTI> and Thailand <.SETI> ended off their day's highs, edging down 0.2 percent and 0.3 percent respectively. Malaysia <.KLSE> was up 0.15 percent, the Philippines <.PSI> was 0.3 percent higher and Vietnam <.VNI> inched up 0.06 percent.

Palm oil shares in the region were weaker, with Malaysia's Sime Darby down 0.13 percent, IOI Corp down 0.2 percent and Singapore-listed Wilmar International down 0.5 percent.

Broker CIMB Investment Bank downgraded Asian Plantation sector from overweight to neutral as earnings growth momentum was slowing and there was downside risk to crude palm oil (CPO) price forecasts if the euro debt crisis spread.

Breaking News-RTRS-MALAYSIA'S END-MAY PALM OIL STOCKS SEEN DOWN 0.6 PCT AT 1.61 MLN TONNES VS APRIL -REUTERS POLL

KUALA LUMPUR, June 8 (Reuters) - Malaysia's May palm oil
stocks slipped 0.6 percent to eight-month lows as domestic and
foreign demand still outpaced a rise in output, a Reuters poll
showed on Tuesday.
Stocks in the world's No.2 palm oil producer fell for the
fifth straight month to hit 1.61 million tonnes with the decline
slowing on growing crude palm oil imports from rival Indonesia,
the poll of five plantation houses showed.

Trader's Highlight

DJI-NEW YORK, June 7 (Reuters) - U.S. stocks fell on Monday, taking the S&P 500 to its lowest close in seven months, as industrials and technology shares fell and investors stayed on their heels after last week's payrolls figure discouraged buyers.

The Nasdaq fared the worst as investors unloaded positions in the most liquid large-cap technology shares. Research in Motion Ltd fell 5.2 percent to $56.56 on worries about the BlackBerry's sales and after the introduction of Apple's latest iPhone. Apple Inc lost 1.9 percent.

The Dow Jones industrial average <.DJI> fell 115.48 points, or 1.16 percent, to 9,816.49. The Standard & Poor's 500 Index <.SPX> slid 14.41 points, or 1.35 percent, to 1,050.47. The Nasdaq Composite Index <.IXIC> tumbled 45.27 points, or 2.04 percent, to 2,173.90.

NYMEX-NEW YORK, June 7 (Reuters) - U.S. crude oil futures were down on Monday, though well off early lows, as euro zone economic worries remained, after some bargain-hunting pared sharp losses earlier in the day.

The losses stuck, despite a higher opening on Wall Street on strong German factory data that eased some euro-zone concerns [.N].

On the New York Mercantile Exchange at 9:47 a.m. EDT (1347 GMT), July crude was down 55 cents, or 0.77 percent, at $70.96 a barrel, trading from $69.51 to $71.95.

CBOT-CHICAGO, June 7 (Reuters) - U.S. corn, soybean and wheat futures fell on Monday as forecasts for good weather bolstered expectations of large crops this year.

CBOT-SOYBEANS - July last down 1/2 cent at $9.34-1/2 per bushel. Tight cash markets limited declines in soybean prices.

CBOT-SOYOIL - July last down 0.32 cent at 36.46 cents per lb. Choppy, prices followed fluctuations in soyoil market throughout the trading day.

FCPO-KUALA LUMPUR, June 7 (Reuters) - Malaysian crude palm oil futures dropped to one-week lows as renewed economic concerns hit financial markets and the U.S. dollar gained.

Expectations for a slight rise in Malaysia's stocks last month also dampened sentiment in a market that has lost 8 percent so far this year on slower demand and the euro zone debt crisis.

The benchmark August crude palm oil futures on the Bursa Malaysia Derivatives Exchange fell as much as 1.5 percent, to 2,437 ringgit ($744.3) a tonne, a level unseen since June 1.

The contract ended at 2,449 ringgit, down 25 ringgit on the day, with volumes at 14,255 lots of 25 tonnes each.

REGIONAL EQUITIES-BANGKOK, June 7 (Reuters) - Indonesian shares fell to their lowest level in over a week on Monday and other Southeast Asian
stock markets also moved lower as resource shares came under selling pressure because of lower commodity prices.

Sentiment in the region was hurt by disappointing U.S. job data and as fears mounted that European debt problems would worsen, pushing Singapore <.FTSTI>, Malaysia <.KLSE>, Thailand <.SETI> and the Philippines <.PSI> down.

In Singapore, top lender DBS fell 2.8 percent and bourse operator Singapore Exchange lost 2.3 percent

In Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia's CIMB Group was down 0.4 percent. The Stock Exchange of Thailand said the listing of CIMB in Bangkok would be delayed for a few months from June.

Trader's Highlight

DJI-NEW YORK, June 4 (Reuters) - U.S. stocks could face further pressure next week unless investors get some relief from worries about Europe, jobs and the toll they might take on the economic recovery.

Reports on retail sales and consumer sentiment, both of which should offer clues on the outlook for spending, are among the coming week's major economic indicators. Also on tap will be international trade data.

For the week, the Dow Jones industrial average <.DJI> fell 2 percent, while the S&P 500 declined 2.3 percent and the Nasdaq <.IXIC> lost 1.7 percent. The S&P 500 is also down 12.5 percent from its April 23 closing high for the year.

NYMEX-NEW YORK, June 4 (Reuters) - U.S. crude oil futures ended 4 percent lower on Friday as disappointing U.S. employment data and fresh fear about Europe's bank woes spreading sparked risk aversion and fueled worries about economic recovery.

On the New York Mercantile Exchange, July crude fell $3.10, or 4.15 percent, to settle at $71.51 a barrel, lowest settlement since closing at the same level on May 26.

CBOT-CHICAGO, June 4 (Reuters) - Chicago Board of Trade grain and soy complex closing trends on Friday.

CBOT-SOYBEANS - July down 20 cents at $9.35 per bushel; new-crop November down 19-3/4 at $9.00.

CBOT-SOYOIL - July down 0.88 cent at 36.78 cents per lb. Spillover weakness from declines in soybeans and crude oil.

FCPO-JAKARTA, June 4 (Reuters) - Malaysian palm oil futures ended higher on Friday as bullish crude oil and soyoil markets encouraged buying, traders said.

External markets supported palm oil, traders said, but further gains were limited by slowing demand from China and India.

Market players pegged support and resistance level at 2,450 ringgit and 2,480 ringgit per tonne respectively next week.

The benchmark August crude palm oil futures on the Bursa Malaysia Derivatives Exchange rose 0.73 percent, or 18 ringgit, to 2,474 ringgit ($756.6) a tonne, after hitting as high as 2,481 ringgit. Overall traded volume was 10,094 lots of 25 tonnes each.

REGIONAL EQUITIES-BANGKOK, June 4 (Reuters) - Thai stocks climbed to their highest in three weeks on Friday as investors bought resource shares seen safe from domestic political risks while the region climbed higher as markets awaited U.S. payrolls data.

The Thai stock market <.SETI> regained foreign inflows this week, with net foreign buying worth a net $32.7 million. It suffered a huge $1.80 billion foreign sell-off in May as fears over political risks grew amid anti-government protests.

Singapore <.FTSTI> ended 0.5 percent up on Friday, Indonesia <.JKSE> added 0.4 percent and the Philippines <.PSI> edged up 0.05 percent. Malaysia <.KLSE> ended unchanged, erasing early gains, and Vietnam <.VNI> inched down 0.15 percent.

In Singapore, United Overseas Bank , its third-biggest bank, rose 0.7 percent after Fitch Ratings affirmed its long-term foreign-currency issuer default rating (IDR) at 'AA-' with a stable outlook.

In Kuala Lumpur, Maybank was up 0.4 percent. Broker Citi Investment said it rated the stock a 'buy', citing loan growth of Malaysian banks in April and generally healthy first quarter earnings in the sector.

Trader's Highlight

DJI-NEW YORK, June 3 (Reuters) - The dollar rose broadly and U.S. stocks staged a late-day rally to end higher as optimism ahead of Friday's key monthly jobs report overshadowed concern that Europe's debt crisis is worsening.

U.S. Treasuries debt prices fell in choppy trade as investors trimmed their safe-haven holdings of government bonds in anticipation of a robust May payrolls report.

Crude oil prices rose more than 2 percent as a government report showed that inventories of crude oil and gasoline fell more than expected last week.

Skittish investors kept markets volatile through most of the day. U.S. stocks fell in response to weakness in the euro, but were supported by data on private sector employment and jobless claims, before finally ending higher. A rally in technology shares led Wall Street gains.

The Dow Jones industrial average rose 5.74 points, or 0.06 percent, to 10,255.28. The Standard & Poor's 500 Index <.SPX> gained 4.44 points, or 0.40 percent, to 1,102.82. The Nasdaq Composite Index <.IXIC> closed up 21.96 points, or 0.96 percent, to 2,303.03.

NYMEX-NEW YORK, June 3 (Reuters) - U.S. crude oil futures ended
2.4 percent higher after a volatile session on Thursday, lifted by a government oil inventory report showing crude oil and gasoline stocks fell more than expected.

U.S. stocks ended higher after seesawing, led by a late-day surge in technology shares as investors geared up for a strong jobs report on Friday.

On the New York Mercantile Exchange, front-month July crude rose $1.75, or 2.4 percent, to settle at $74.61 a barrel, trading from $72.32 to $74.95, reaching the high in post-settlement trading.

CBOT-CHICAGO, June 3 (Reuters) - U.S. soybean futures rose sharply on Thursday due to firmer cash markets and a wave of technical buying.

CBOT-SOYBEANS - July last up 23-3/4 cents at $9.56-1/4 per bushel. Slow movement of supplies in country spur gains early. Technical buying adds fuel to rally as prices rise above 20-day moving average.

CBOT-SOYOIL - July last up 0.23 cent at 37.65 cents per
lb. Soybean rally, crude oil gains supportive.

FCPO-JAKARTA, June 3 (Reuters) - Malaysian palm oil futures fell on short-selling on Thursday, erasing early gains as investors tested the resistance and support level, traders said.

The benchmark August crude palm oil futures on the Bursa Malaysia Derivatives Exchange fell 0.49 percent, or 12 ringgit, to close at 2,456 ringgit ($752.7) a tonne. The contract touched as high as 2,482 ringgit a tonne. Traded volume was 9,631 lots of 25 tonnes each, slightly below the daily average of 10,000 lots.

Trader's Highlight

DJI-NEW YORK, June 2 (Reuters) - U.S. stocks rallied more than 2 percent on Wednesday as energy shares rebounded one day after a steep sell-off, while the yen fell after the resignation of Japanese Prime Minister Yukio Hatoyama raised concerns about the outlook for the currency.

Surprisingly strong U.S. housing data for April drove optimism about the economy, also boosting stocks and driving up oil prices. The stock rally also eased concerns that Europe's sovereign debt crisis could restrain a fragile economic recovery.

The Dow Jones industrial average <.DJI> closed up 225.52 points, or 2.25 percent, at 10,249.54. The Standard & Poor's 500 Index <.SPX> rose 27.67 points, or 2.58 percent, at 1,098.38. The Nasdaq Composite Index <.IXIC> gained 58.74 points, or 2.64percent, at 2,281.07

NYMEX-NEW YORK, June 2 (Reuters) - U.S. crude oil futures settled higher on Wednesday, supported by strong U.S. pending home sales that also lifted Wall Street equities.

Crude oil futures traded inside Tuesday's range and for a second straight day finished well below the intraday high amid choppy trading ahead of the week's oil inventory reports.

On the New York Mercantile Exchange, July crude rose 28 cents, or 0.39 percent, to settle at $72.86 a barrel, trading from $71.68 to $73.93. Tuesday's trading ranged from $71.64 to $75.33.

CBOT-CHICAGO, June 2 (Reuters) - Chicago Board of Trade grain and soy complex closing trends on Wednesday.

CBOT-SOYBEANS - July up 1/2 cent at $9.32-1/2 a bushel; new-crop November up 3/4 at $9.03-1/2. Tight cash markets and rally in crude oil support soybeans, offsetting pressure from favorable U.S. crop weather and planting progress.

CBOT-SOYOIL - July down 0.10 cent at 37.42 cents per lb. Late retreat; losing against soymeal on meal/oil spreads.

FCPO-JAKARTA, June 2 (Reuters) - Malaysian palm oil futures extended gains for a second day on Wednesday as firmer prices for rival soyoil sparked some short covering, traders said.

The benchmark August crude palm oil futures on the Bursa Malaysia Derivatives Exchange rose 0.33 percent, or 8 ringgit, to settle at 2,468 ringgit ($745.6) a tonne -- the highest close since May 24. Overall traded volume was 15,499 lots of 25 tonnes each, above the daily average of 10,000 lots.

REGIONAL EQUITIES-BANGKOK, June 2 (Reuters) - Thai stocks gained over 1 percent on Wednesday after the Bank of Thailand decided to keep interest rates unchanged, which had been widely expected after recent political unrest but still spurred late buying, analysts said.

Southeast Asian bourses ended off their day's highs, with Singapore <.FTSTI> up 0.5 percent, Indonesia <.JKSE>, Asia's second-best performer this year, up 0.33 percent, the Philippines <.PSI> up 0.7 percent and Vietnam <.VNI> adding 0.4 percent.

Bucking the trend, Malaysia <.KLSE> drifted down 0.5 percent in thin volume, led by a 1.8 percent fall in top lender Maybank .

In Singapore, Mapletree Logistics Trust rose 3.1 percent to S$0.835. Broker Citi said it raised Mapletree's target price to S$0.91 and kept its 'buy/low risk' rating, citing its growth strategy as it was acquiring three properties.

Breaking News-RTRS-Indonesia says degraded land key for palm expansion

YOGYAKARTA, Indonesia June 1 (Reuters) - Indonesia's palm oil industry can grow via acquisitions of six million hectares of degraded land across the archipelago, a government official said on Tuesday, in a bid to allay concerns of slowing expansion.
Planters in the world's largest palm oil producer are increasingly worried over Indonesia's plans to revoke forestry licences to palm oil firms as part of a $1 billion climate change deal signed with Norway.
Didiek Goenadi, a senior official with Indonesia Investment Coordinating Board, said forests and peatlands that hold large carbon reserves can still be preserved while giving planters an option to swap out to degraded land.

Trader's Highlight

DJI-NEW YORK, June 1 (Reuters) - U.S. stocks fell on Tuesday as energy shares slid after the latest failed attempt to halt the oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico clouded future prospects for energy company profits.

The Dow Jones industrial average <.DJI> dropped 112.61 points, or 1.11 percent, to 10,024.02, according to the latest available figures. The Standard & Poor's 500 Index <.SPX> dropped 18.70 points, or 1.72 percent, to 1,070.71. The Nasdaq Composite Index <.IXIC> dropped 34.71 points, or 1.54 percent, to 2,222.33.

NYMEX-NEW YORK, June 1 (Reuters) - U.S. crude oil futures settled nearly 2 percent lower on Tuesday as concerns that Europe's debt problems may spread and data showing slower growth in China weighed on the euro and oil futures.

Trading was volatile as crude rallied intraday with the euro and Wall Street equities on positive U.S. construction spending and manufacturing data, before falling back after failing to hold above $75 a barrel.

On the New York Mercantile Exchange, July crude fell $1.39, or 1.88 percent, to settle at $72.58 a barrel, trading from $71.64 to $75.33.

CBOT-KANSAS CITY, June 1 (Reuters) - Chicago Board of Trade wheat, corn and soybeans ended lower on Tuesday on good planting and harvest weather.

CBOT-SOYBEANS - July down 5-3/4 cents at $9.32. Tight cash markets underpin, though pressure from favorable U.S. weather.

CBOT-SOYOIL - July settled down 0.09 cent at 37.52 cents per lb. Followed soybeans as Egypt's Meditrade buys 49,000 tonnes of edible oils. China gives no sign of resolving Argentina soyoil row.

FCPO-JAKARTA, June 1 (Reuters) - Malaysian palm oil futures edged higher by Tuesday despite losses in crude oil, boosted by higher demand in the physical market and a weaker ringgit currency, traders said.

The benchmark August crude palm oil futures on the Bursa Malaysia Derivatives Exchange rose 0.99 percent, or 24 ringgit, to settle at 2,460 ringgit ($746.6) a tonne. Traded volume was 9,917 lots of 25 tonnes each. Other contracts rose between 0.63 percent to 1.48 percent.

REGIONAL EQUITIES-BANGKOK, June 1 (Reuters) - Southeast Asian stock markets fell on Tuesday as euro zone worries prompted investors to reduce their stakes in risky assets, especially shares in companies that have greatest exposure to any economic slowdown.

Indonesia <.JKSE> fell 2.6 percent, Singapore <.FTSTI> lost 1.3 percent, Thailand <.SETI> slid 1.3 percent and Malaysia <.KLSE> closed 0.2 percent down.

In Singapore, top lender DBS Group fell 2.1 percent and Oversea-Chinese Banking Corp. slid 1.6 percent, while Genting Singapore closed 6.6 percent weaker.

In Kuala Lumpur, transport company MISC Bhd fell 1 percent.

Trader's Highlight

FCPO-JAKARTA, May 31 (Reuters) - Malaysian palm oil futures fell almost 1 percent on Monday, despite data showing improved exports, after a downgrade of Spain's credit rating led to investor caution over riskier assets like commodities.

Markets in May were focused on the euro zone debt crisis which began with worries over Greece's finances and entered a new phase on Friday when Fitch ratings agency downgraded Spain's sovereign debt rating.

The benchmark August crude palm oil futures on Bursa Malaysia Derivatives Exchange fell 0.85 percent, or 21 ringgit, to close at 2,436 ringgit ($794.1), after touching 2,425 ringgit, the lowest level since May 19. Traded volume was 9,540 lots of 25 tonnes each.

REGIONAL EQUITIES-BANGKOK, May 31 (Reuters) - Indonesian shares rose more than three percent to nearly a two-week peak on Monday, boosted by foreign buying and expectations the central bank will leave its key interest rate unchanged at a record-low this week.

Singapore <.FTSTI>, Malaysia <.KLSE> and Thailand <.SETI> also gained as fund managers bought large-capitalised stocks for month-end window dressing following holidays on Friday.

In Singpore, Parkway Holdings shares jumped 22.9 percent after Malaysian sovereign fund Khazanah offered $835 million for control of Singapore's biggest private healthcare group, leaving India's Fortis Healthcare to make the next move in a potential takeover battle.

In Kuala Lumpur, AirAsia Bhd rose 4.3 percent before it announced after the market close that its first-quarter net profit rose from the same period a year ago.

Breaking News-RTRS-INTERVIEW-Malaysian palm stocks to rise despite Asian festivals

YOGYAKARTA, Indonesia May 31 (Reuters) - Malaysia palm oil stocks are set to recover in May and rise faster in the next three months as Asian consumers take up more soyoil that trades at par with the tropical oil, a senior official said on Monday.
Malaysian Palm Oil Board Director (MPOB) General Basri Wahid said palm oil stocks usually fall in the June-August period as top buyers India and the Middle East stock up for religious festivals from August starting from Ramandan fasting month.
But ample South American supplies of soyoil have made the normally expensive vegetable oil trade at same level as FOB palm olein seen at $810 for June delivery, prompting a switch of orders away from Malaysia, the No. 2 palm oil producer.
Also, India has record stocks of oilseeds for crushing, discouraging crude palm oil imports from top producer Indonesia as well as Malaysia.

Trader's Highlight

DJI-NEW YORK, May 28 (Reuters) - U.S. stocks ended lower on Friday, capping off their worst month in over a year as Fitch Ratings' downgrade of Spain's credit rating reignited worries about euro-zone debt issues.

The Dow and the S&P 500 registered their worst monthly percentage losses since February 2009. Based on the latest available data, the Dow Jones industrial average <.DJI> fell 122.36 points, or 1.19 percent, to end unofficially at 10,136.63. The Standard & Poor's 500 Index <.SPX> was down 13.65 points, or 1.24 percent, to finish unofficially at 1,089.41. The Nasdaq Composite Index <.IXIC> was down 20.64 points, or 0.91 percent, to close unofficially at 2,257.04.

NYMEX-NEW YORK, May 28 (Reuters) - U.S. crude oil futures ended lower on Friday, posting their worst monthly decline since December 2008 at the height of the financial crisis, as a downgrade of Spain's credit rating sparked further euro zone
worries and prompted oil traders to seek less risky assets.

The day's retreat from a heady rally the day before accelerated past midday as Wall Street dropped sharply following news of the Fitch ratings agency's downgrade, stoking more worries that the euro-zone debt crisis would stifle global economic growth.

On the New York Mercantile Exchange, July crude settled down 58 cents, or 0.78 percent, at $73.97 a barrel, after trading from $73.13 to $75.72.

CBOT-CHICAGO, May 28 (Reuters) - Chicago Board of Trade grains and soy complex closing trends on Thursday.

CBOT-SOYBEANS - July down 14 cents at $9.37-3/4 per bushel; new-crop November down 11 at $9.07-3/4. Pressured by sell-off in corn, favorable U.S. weather and rally in the dollar.

CBOT-SOYOIL - July down 0.57 cent at 37.61 cents per lb. Following declines in soybeans and crude oil.

FCPO-JAKARTA, May 27 (Reuters) - Indonesia's palm oil exports in April fell 15.6 percent from a year ago because of a higher export tax and sluggish demand from Europe, the Indonesian Palm Oil Association (GAPKI) said on Thursday.

Indonesia exported 1.028 million tonnes of palm oil and its by-products in April, compared to 1.218 million tonnes in the same period last year, Gapki said in a statement.

REGIONAL EQUITIES-BANGKOK, May 27 (Reuters) - Southeast Asian markets gained on Thursday as investors looked for bargains among cheaply valued shares and positive sentiment in commodity markets spurred demand for energy and resource sectors.

Sentiment in the region turned more positive as the euro recovered on Thursday after comments from a Chinese official calmed some concerns that the country may be distancing itself from euro zone debt holdings.

Singapore's Wilmar International rose 1.6 percent, Malaysia's Sime Darby was up 3.03 percent and Indonesia's Astra Agro Lestari gained 0.3percent.

Trader's Highlight

DJI-NEW YORK, May 26 (Reuters) - Wall Street staged yet
another late-day reversal on Wednesday to end lower as news
suggesting China was reassessing its euro-zone debt holdings
pushed investors into profit-taking mode.

The Dow closed below 10,000 for the first time since Feb.
8. The late turnaround in stocks showing investor psyche
remains fragile, and investors are inclined to sell strength
in this volatile rumor-driven market.

NYMEX-NEW YORK, May 26 (Reuters) - U.S. crude oil futures settled
4 percent higher on Wednesday, on revived risk appetite helping
lift broader markets, combined with government data indicating
better oil demand helping to fuel a technical bounce in
oversold oil markets.

"It was a rebound back into risk assets, helped by the
durable goods data, that extended the lift from equities that
developed late on Tuesday," said Matt Smith, energy analyst at
Summit Energy in Louisville, Kentucky.

CBOT-CHICAGO, May 26 (Reuters) - Chicago Board of Trade grain and soy complex close on Wednesday.

CBOT-SOYBEANS - July up 7-1/2 cents at $9.38 per bushel; new-crop November up 7 at $9.10.
* Rebounding from Tuesday's slide on oversold technicals, firm cash markets, slow farmer selling, higher equities and gains in crude oil.

CBOT-SOYOIL - July up 0.68 cent at 37.85 cents per lb.
* Support from higher crude oil, soybeans and a rebound in equities markets in addition to support from oil/meal spreading.

FCPO-JAKARTA, May 26 (Reuters) - Malaysian palm oil futures ended
higher on Wednesday, countering a decline of more than 2 percent
the previous day, as crude oil rose on signs a U.S. supply glut
will ease.

The benchmark August crude palm oil futures on the
Bursa Malaysia Derivatives Exchange rose 0.66 percent, or 16
ringgit, to 2,452 ringgit ($813.3) a tonne, after hitting a high
of 2,480 ringgit. Traded volume stood at 14,782 lots of 25
tonnes each.

REGIONAL EQUITIES-BANGKOK, May 26 (Reuters) - Indonesian stocks surged 7.3
percent on Wednesday, rebounding from three-month lows the day
before and leading gains in Southeast Asia as Bumi Resources

In Singapore, Noble Group rose 5.6 percent after
Fitch Ratings revised the outlook on the commodity firm's
long-term foreign currency Issuer Default Rating (IDR) to
positive from stable.

Breaking News-RTRS-Soyoil prices to stay firm near term -Oil World

HAMBURG, May 25 (Reuters) - Soyoil prices are likely to remain firm in coming weeks despite current weakness in soybeans and soymeal, while China is likely to resume soyoil buying from Argentina, Hamburg-based oilseeds analysts Oil World said on Tuesday.
Global consumption of the eight main vegetable oils was likely to exceed production in April/Sept 2010, cutting stocks and supporting prices, it said.

Trader's Highlight

DJI-NEW YORK, May 25 (Reuters) - U.S. stocks staged a furious late-day rally on Tuesday to push the S&P 500 into positive territory as the focus shifted from European debt woes to buying after shares hit six-month lows.

Major U.S. indexes had fallen more than 3 percent early in the session on growing questions about the stability of the European banking system after a small Spanish bank failed over the weekend.

The Dow Jones industrial average <.DJI> dropped 22.82 points, or 0.23 percent, to 10,043.75. But the Standard & Poor's 500 Index <.SPX> gained just 0.38 point, or 0.04 percent, to end at 1,074.03. The Nasdaq Composite Index <.IXIC> shed 2.60 points, or 0.12 percent, to 2,210.95.

NYMEX-NEW YORK, May 25 (Reuters) - U.S. crude oil futures ended more than 2 percent lower on Tuesday as investors sold off to curb risks related to mounting concerns about Europe's debt crisis and on geopolitical concerns involving North and South Korea. Both developments fueled pessimism that economic recovery -- and oil demand growth -- could be stunted, analysts said.

On the New York Mercantile Exchange, July crude settled down $1.46, or 2.08 percent, at $68.75 a barrel, trading from $67.15 to $69.91. It had ended up at $70.21on Monday.

CBOT-CHICAGO, May 25 (Reuters) - Chicago Board of Trade grain and soy complex close on Tuesday.

CBOT-SOYBEANS - Fall to two-month low on pressure from a turn to warmer and drier U.S. weather, which should boost crop prospects, a firm dollar, lower crude oil and falling equities markets. July down 10 cents per bushel at $9.30-1/2. November down 12-1/2 at $9.03.

CBOT-SOYOIL - Pressure from falling soy, plunging crude oil, lower equities markets and a strong dollar.

FCPO-JAKARTA, May 25 (Reuters) - Malaysian palm oil futures fell just over 2 percent on Tuesday, despite strong export data on the vegetable oil from cargo surveyors, with the market pulled down by a further drop in crude oil and equity markets.

Oil extended a drop towards $68 per barrel on Tuesday on growing concern that Europe's debt crisis would derail the global economic recovery, and prompting investors to sell riskier assets in a flight to the safety of the dollar. [O/R]

The benchmark August crude palm oil futures on Bursa Malaysia Derivatives Exchange fell 2.17 percent, or 54 ringgit, to settle at 2,436 ringgit ($818.9) a tonne, the lowest level on Tuesday.

Overall traded volume was 15,681 lots of 25 tonnes each. Other contracts across the board also fell between 0.99 percent to 2.17 percent.

REGIONAL EQUITIES-COLOMBO, May 25 (Reuters) - Most Southeast Asian stock markets fell to multi-week lows on Tuesday due to worries over the euro zone debt crisis and tension on the Korean peninsula.

Singapore <.FTSTI> fell 2.7 percent to its lowest in nearly seven months. The market has lost 11 percent so far in May. Top lender DBS Group Holdings fell 2.2 percent and Singapore Telecom closed 3.8 percent weaker.

In Kuala Lumpur, the index touched its lowest since February 11 with a 3 percent fall in Malaysia's largest lender, Maybank , and a 3.5 percent loss in financial CIMB .

Trader's Highlight

DJI-NEW YORK, May 24 (Reuters) - U.S. stocks slid on Monday, driving the Dow to its lowest level since Feb. 10 as fresh signs of Europe's banking problems emerged. The euro zone's turbulence kept investors wary of taking on risk, after the S&P 500's 4.2 percent drop last week.

Financial shares were among the day's largest decliners, with the KBW Bank index <.BKX> falling 3.3 percent. Wells Fargo fell 4.7 percent to $28.71 after Goldman Sachs cut its rating on the stock to "neutral" from "buy."

The Dow Jones industrial average <.DJI> dropped 126.82 points, or 1.24 percent, to 10,066.57. The Standard & Poor's 500 Index <.SPX> slipped 14.04 points, or 1.29 percent, to 1,073.65. The Nasdaq Composite Index <.IXIC> fell 15.49 points, or 0.69 percent, to 2,213.55.

NYMEX-NEW YORK, May 24 (Reuters) - U.S. crude oil futures edged higher on Monday, regaining some ground after falling eight of the nine previous sessions, on bargain hunting even though euro zone worries persisted.

Technically, traders said front month crude futures appeared to have gathered support at $70 a barrel, following a recent wave of liquidations that put the market in oversold territory.

On the New York Mercantile Exchange, crude for July delivery settled up 17 cents, or 0.24 percent, at $70.21 a barrel. In choppy trading, it moved from $69.57 to $70.96.

CBOT-CHICAGO, May 24 (Reuters) - Chicago Board of Trade grain and soy complex close on Monday.

CBOT-SOYBEANS - July down 1/2 cent at $9.40-1/2 per bushel; new-crop November up 8 at $9.15-1/2. July ends weak down when it fails to convincingly penetrate above resistance at its 10-day moving average. Unwinding of bull-spreads weighs on nearbys and supports deferred months. Slow farmer selling, firm cash and persistent talk of soy orders switched from South America to the U.S. underpins soy complex.

CBOT-SOYOIL - July up 0.56 cent at 37.52 cents per lb. Rallying on optimism for a U.S. House vote, possibly Tuesday, on reinstating the U.S. biodiesel subsidy.

FCPO-JAKARTA, May 24 (Reuters) - Malaysian palm oil futures barely moved on Monday as concerns over the euro zone debt crisis could hit world economic recovery offset expectations of robust export growth for the vegetable oil.

Downbeat financial markets overshadowed the launch of CME Group's palm oil futures <0#CPO:> although traders said it would take some time for investors to use the contract for trading price differences with rival U.S. soyoil <0#BO:>.

The benchmark August crude palm oil futures on Bursa Malaysia Derivatives Exchange fell 0.04 percent percent, or 1 ringgit, to 2,490 ringgit ($825.9) a tonne on Monday. Overall traded volume was 6,019 lots of 25 tonnes each, far below the daily average of 10,000 lots.

REGIONAL EQUITIES-BANGKOK, May 24 (Reuters) - Thai stocks fell to their lowest
level in five weeks on Monday when the market reopened after a two-session break caused by political unrest, with retail and tourist sectors under pressure and foreigners continuing to sell.

Investors remained cautious over political risk despite the end of the "red shirt" protest in Bangkok, and the market was also catching up with other Asian bourses, which fell when Thai financial markets were closed last week.

Other Southeast Asian markets were mixed on the day, with Singapore <.FTSTI> up 0.8 percent but losing some of its early gain in line with the rest of the region as investors cut risk amid fears the euro zone debt crisis would hit world growth.

Thailand is Southeast Asia's cheapest bourse in terms of valuations, trading at a forward price-to-earnings ratio of 10.4, after Vietnam's <.VNI> 11.0, the Philippines' <.PSI> 12.1, Singapore's <.FTSTI> 12.2, Indonesia's <.JKSE> 12.5 and Malaysia's <.KLSE> 13.0, according to Thomson Reuters Starmine.

In Kuala Lumpur, Sime Darby fell 3.3 percent on fears Malaysia's second-biggest company by market value may have to set aside more money for potential losses at its energy division.

Trader's Highlight

DJI-NEW YORK, May 21 (Reuters) - U.S. stocks snapped a three-day losing streak on Friday as investors bought beaten-down shares including banks on bets the financial regulation bill won't be as onerous as some had feared.

Nonetheless, the benchmark S&P 500 index was down 10.6 percent from its April 23 high in what is traditionally considered a correction as investors fled risky assets on fears the euro zone's debt crisis will crimp global growth.

The Dow Jones industrial average <.DJI> gained 125.38 points, or 1.25 percent, to 10,193.39. The Standard & Poor's 500 Index <.SPX> jumped 16.10 points, or 1.50 percent, to 1,087.69. The Nasdaq Composite Index <.IXIC> rose 25.03 points, or 1.14 percent, to 2,229.04.

NYMEX-NEW YORK, May 21 (Reuters) - U.S. crude oil futures ended lower on Friday, as persistent worries that Europe's debt crisis would slow the global economic recovery pressured investors to seek safer investment alternatives.

Front-month crude futures have fallen in eight of the last nine sessions and for three consecutive weeks, with investors also worried about a glut in domestic crude inventories.

On the New York Mercantile Exchange, the new front-month contract, July , closed 76 cents lower, or 1.07 percent, at $70.04 a barrel, after trading from $69 to $71.23.

CBOT-CHICAGO, May 21 (Reuters) - Chicago Board of Trade grain and soy complex close on Friday.

CBOT-SOYBEANS - July down 3 cents at $9.41 per bushel; new-crop November down 1/2 at $9.07-1/2. Some unwinding and profit-taking of the July/November spread weighed on spot July as did corn/soy spreading. Pressure also from lower crude oil and weaker Brazilian real led to increased farmer selling.

CBOT-SOYOIL - July down 0.43 cent at 36.96 cents per lb. Weighed down by lower trend in soy.

FCPO-JAKARTA, May 21 (Reuters) - Malaysian palm oil futures extended gains on a technical rebound on Friday, lifted by stronger demand in the cash market combined with tumbling ringgit currency, traders said.

However, market players will continue to be cautious next week because they fear that worries about the impact of the European crisis and the global economic recovery could lead to selling in the palm oil market.

The benchmark August crude palm oil futures on Bursa Malaysia Derivatives Exchange rose 0.61 percent, or 15 ringgit, to 2,491 ringgit ($827) a tonne. The contract hit 2,501 ringgit in the afternoon session, the highest in nine days.

Overall traded volume was 12,806 lots of 25 tonnes each, higher than the daily average of 10,000 lots. Other contracts also firmed between 0.45 percent to 1.52 percent.

REGIONAL EQUITIES-COLOMBO, May 21 (Reuters) - Southeast Asian markets fell on Friday as investors cut positions on fears that the euro zone debt crisis will hamper world growth, completing a wave of selling this week.

Singapore <.FTSTI> lost 1.9 percent to end the week at more than a 14-week low, Indonesia <.JKSE> fell 2.6 percent to a near 11-week low and Malaysia <.KLSE> slid 1.4 percent to its lowest since March 4.

Malaysia fell for a sixth straight session, taking losses this week to 4 percent. Friday's declines were led a 3 percent decline in CIMB Group and a 2.1 percent fall in lender Maybank .

Trader's Highlight

DJI-NEW YORK, May 20 (Reuters) - U.S. stocks sank nearly 4 percent on Thursday on growing fears the euro zone's efforts to tackle its sovereign debt crisis will fall short, jeopardizing the global economic recovery.

Selling picked up speed late in the day and indexes closed around their session lows after the U.S. Senate voted to end debate on the sweeping overhaul of financial regulation, allowing a final vote on the bill later on Thursday or Friday.

The Dow Jones industrial average <.DJI> dropped 376.36 points, or 3.60 percent, to end at 10,068.01. The Standard & Poor's 500 Index <.SPX> slid 43.46 points, or 3.90 percent, to 1,071.59. The Nasdaq Composite Index <.IXIC> lost 94.36 points, or 4.11 percent, to 2,204.01.

NYMEX-NEW YORK, May 20 (Reuters) - Expiring U.S. June crude futures ended 2.66 percent lower on Thursday on high oil inventories and concerns that Europe's sovereign debt crisis will hurt economic recovery and curb oil demand growth.

Trading was volatile and crude prices fell to nine-month lows intraday before bouncing back to pare losses late in the session. But crude futures settled lower for the seventh time in eight sessions.

On the New York Mercantile Exchange, the expiring June crude fell $1.86, or 2.66 percent, to settle at $68.01 a barrel, trading from $64.24 to $71.29.

CBOT-CHICAGO, May 20 (Reuters) - Chicago Board of Trade grain and soy complex futures close on Thursday.

CBOT-SOYBEANS - July up 5-1/2 cents at $9.44 per bushel; new-crop November up 2-1/4 at $9.08. Soy turned higher when the dollar began falling, the euro rallied and crude oil moved above the day's lows. Late fund short-covering boosted soy as did slow farmer selling, firm cash markets and talk soy cargoes were being switched from South America to the U.S.

CBOT-SOYOIL - July down 0.11 cent at 37.39 cents per lb. Pressure from falling crude oil.

FCPO-JAKARTA, May 20 (Reuters) - Malaysian palm oil futures rose to their highest close in more than a week on Thursday, lifted by better export data and a weaker ringgit, traders said.

The benchmark August crude palm oil futures on the Bursa Malaysia Derivatives Exchange rose 1.68 percent, or 41 ringgit, to 2,476 ringgit ($810.4) a tonne, its highest close since May 12. Traded volume jumped to 18,658 lots of 25 tonnes each, almost double the daily average of 10,000 lots.

REGIONAL EQUITIES-COLOMBO, May 20 (Reuters) - Major Southeast Asian markets fell on Thursday as worries over euro zone debt crisis further soured investors' appetite for risk.

Singapore <.FTSTI> fell 0.8 percent, Indonesia <.JKSE> lost 1.3 percent, while Malaysia and Philippines <.PSI> slid 0.3 percent.

In Singapore, the bourse fell for a third session to hit its lowest since March 1, despite data showing the economy grew more than expected in the first quarter helped by a recovery in manufacturing.

Malaysia fell for a fifth straight session led by 1.8 percent fall in Genting and 3 percent slip in Telecom Malaysia .

Trader's Highlight

DJI-NEW YORK, May 19 (Reuters) - U.S. stocks fell on Wednesday as Germany's unilateral action to ban specific trades on some stocks and bonds sparked a fresh wave of uncertainty and risk aversion among anxious investors.

Markets already fear the euro zone's credit woes could cut into economic growth, and Germany's move late on Tuesday triggered selling of industrial shares, as they have a heavy exposure to Europe.

The Dow Jones industrial average <.DJI> slid 66.58 points, or 0.63 percent, to 10,444.37. The Standard & Poor's 500 Index <.SPX> fell 5.75 points, or 0.51 percent, to 1,115.05. The Nasdaq Composite Index <.IXIC> lost 18.89 points, or 0.82 percent, to 2,298.37.

NYMEX-NEW YORK, May 19 (Reuters) - U.S. front-month June crude oil futures settled higher and rallied more than a dollar in post-settlement trading on Wednesday, lifted by the euro's rally and by technical trading ahead of the contract's Thursday expiration.

Other futures contracts settled lower as crude oil futures reacted to volatility in foreign exchange and equities markets as Europe struggled to address its fiscal woes. A government oil inventory report got overshadowed.

On the New York Mercantile Exchange, June crude rose 46 cents, or 0.66 percent, to settle at $69.87 a barrel, trading as low as $67.90, lowest since $66.22 was struck on Sept. 30, then rallying rallying more than $2 to as high as $71.43 in post-settlement trading as of 5:00 p.m. EDT (2100 GMT).

CBOT-CHICAGO, May 19 (Reuters) - Chicago Board of Trade grain and soy close on Wednesday.

CBOT-SOYBEANS - July down 1 cent at $9.38-1/2 per bushel; new-crop November down 7-3/4 at $9.05-3/4. Ended weak on good U.S. soy planting and growing weather but July gained versus November on a rumor South American soy cargoes being switched to the United States.

CBOT-SOYOIL - July up 0.31 cent at 37.50 cents per lb. Turned firm on spreading and as crude oil moved up from the day's lows and on fund buying.

FCPO-JAKARTA, May 19 (Reuters) - Malaysian crude palm oil futures closed lower on Wednesday, along with global equities and most commodities' markets sparked by concerns over tighter financial regulation in the U.S. and Europe, traders said.

A weaker Malaysian ringgit helped to limit the drop in the palm oil futures and brought relief to refiner margins. The currency fell nearly 1 percent to 3.2500 ringgit against the U.S. dollar, limiting

The benchmark August crude palm oil futures on Bursa Malaysia Derivatives Exchange fell 0.41 percent, or 10 ringgit, to close at 2,435 ringgit ($791.37) a tonne. The contract fell to as low as 2,410 ringgit. Overall volume reached 10,979 lots of 25 tonnes each, compared with the daily average of 10,000 lots.

REGIONAL EQUITIES-BANGKOK, May 19 (Reuters) - Thai stocks gained 0.7 percent on
Wednesday as a crackdown on anti-government demonstrators boosted hopes of an end to nine weeks of protests, prompting local investors to buy beaten big-cap energy shares and banks.

Thai stocks bucked the wider trend, although foreign investors were net sellers. Elsewhere in Southeast Asia, markets closed lower on worries about moves by authorities in the euro area and the United States towards tighter financial regulation.

Singapore's stock index <.FTSTI> closed at its lowest level since early March, while Malaysia's main index <.KLSE> finished at its weakest level since mid March.

Breaking News-RTRS-Oil World Ups 2009/10 Global Soybean Crop Forecast

AMSTERDAM, May 18 (Reuters) - Growth in global vegetable oil consumption is set to gain momentum this season, helped by increasing use of edible oils for biodiesel production, oilseeds analysts Oil World forecast on Tuesday.
World consumption of vegetable oils is expected to rise by about 6 million tonnes to 137.6 million tonnes in 2009/2010, compared with an increase of 5 million tonnes in 2008/09.