Trader's Highlight

DJI-NEW YORK, Sept 1 (Reuters) - Wall Street posted its best day in eight weeks on Wednesday as investor mood brightened after better-than-expected factory data from the United States and China.

Investors jumped on stocks across the market, with more than six shares rising for every one that fell on the New York Stock Exchange, while on the Nasdaq, nearly five stocks rose for every one that fell. The broad Russell 3000 index <.RUA> had 21 advancers for each declining stock.

The Dow Jones industrial average <.DJI> rose 254.75 points, or 2.54 percent, to 10,269.47. The Standard & Poor's 500 Index <.SPX> added 30.96 points, or 2.95 percent, to 1,080.29. The Nasdaq Composite Index <.IXIC> gained 62.81 points, or 2.97 percent, to 2,176.84.

NYMEX-NEW YORK, Sept 1 (Reuters) - U.S. crude oil futures rose more than 2 percent on Wednesday, rebounding after two straight lower settlements as strong manufacturing data from China and the United States revived risk appetite and countered recent concern about tepid oil demand.

The encouraging economic data and weaker dollar helped offset the government's weekly inventory report that showed U.S. crude oil stocks rose more than expected last week.

On the New York Mercantile Exchange, October crude rose $1.99, or 2.77 percent, to settle at $73.91, trading from $71.67 to $74.48.

CBOT-CHICAGO, Sept 1 (Reuters) - U.S. wheat futures on the Chicago Board of Trade rallied on Wednesday on news that Egypt bought U.S. wheat at its latest tender and on news Germany bought U.S. wheat for the first time in three years, traders said.

CBOT-SOYBEANS - September down 3-1/2 cents at $10.04-1/2 per bushel, November down 4-1/2 at $10.05-1/2. Seasonal soybean harvest pressure and softening cash markets weighed on prices.

CBOT-SOYOIL - September up 0.07 cent at 39.55 cents per lb.

FCPO-KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 1 (Reuters) - Malaysian crude palm oil futures ended more than 1 percent lower on Wednesday, as players booked profits after data from cargo surveyors showed lacklustre overseas demand. Malaysia's August palm oil exports fell 17 percent from a month ago, as the world's No. 2 oil consumer China slowed buying due to ample stockpiles.

The benchmark November crude palm oil contract on Bursa Malaysia Derivatives Exchange dropped 35 ringgit to 2,535 ringgit ($806.5) per tonne. The Malaysian market was closed the previous day for the national day holiday.

REGIONAL EQUITIES-BANGKOK, Sept 1 (Reuters) - Indonesian shares rose 1.7 percent to snap a three-day losing streak on Wednesday as fears over inflation eased, while strong growth in emerging Southeast Asian economies supported other markets in the region.

Annual inflation in Indonesia, Southeast Asia's biggest economy, was lower than expected in August, cementing expectations the central bank will hold interest rates at a record low at a policy review on Friday.

Singapore <.FTSTI> closed at the day's high, adding 1.1 percent to a three-week high. Malaysia <.KLSE>, resuming trade after a holiday, rose 0.7 percent to a 2-1/2-year high and Thailand <.SETI> gained 0.7 percent, scaling a 14-year high at one point.

Trader's Highlight

DJI-NEW YORK, Aug 31 (Reuters) - U.S. stocks ended little changed in choppy trading on Tuesday, closing out an August the bulls would like to forget.

Positive data surprises sustained a rally for most of the session, but declines in technology shares capped overall gains. The S&P 500 bounced off the key technical level of 1,040 for the third time in the last five sessions.

The Dow Jones industrial average <.DJI> edged up 4.99 points, or 0.05 percent, to 10,014.72. The Standard & Poor's 500 <.SPX> ticked up 0.41 point, or 0.04 percent, to 1,049.33. The Nasdaq Composite <.IXIC> slipped 5.94 points, or 0.28 percent, to close at 2,114.03.

NYMEX-NEW YORK, Aug 31 (Reuters) - U.S. crude oil futures fell for a second day on Tuesday, ending August with the worst performance in three months, as traders squared books ahead of weekly inventory data forecast to show a further rise in crude inventories.

Worries about bearish fundamentals mingled with fears of a slowing pace of economic recovery, even though the day's economic reports showed that consumer confidence rose this month and home prices rose slightly more than expected in July.

On the New York Mercantile Exchange, crude for October delivery settled down $2.78, or 3.72 percent, at $71.92 a barrel, after trading from $71.71 to $74.73.

CBOT-CHICAGO, Aug 31 (Reuters) - Chicago Board of Trade grain and soy complex close on Tuesday.

CBOT-SOYBEANS - September down 10 cents at $10.08 per bushel, November down 12-1/2 cents at $10.10. Spillover selling from falling wheat market and better than expected condition ratings for the U.S. crop that led to prospects for bumper production.

CBOT-SOYOIL - September down 0.47 cent per lb at 39.48 cents per lb. Spillover pressure from lower soy and lower crude oil.

FCPO-KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 30 (Reuters) - Malaysian crude palm oil rose 1.1 percent on Monday on concerns of tight supply, although ended off a one-week high hit earlier in the day as some investors booked profits ahead of a public holiday.

September may well become a month of tight global vegetable oil supplies as oil palmestate workers go on extended holidays for Eid Al-Fitr, drought saps rapeseed crops in Europe and on reduced canola output in Canada, traders said.

The benchmark November crude palm oil contract ended up 1.1 percent, or 28 ringgit, at 2,570 Malaysian ringgit ($819) per tonne after rising to as much as 2,585ringgit -- a level unseen since Aug. 19. The market will be closed on Tuesday for National day. Traded volume was 11,614 lots of 25 tonnes each.

REGIONAL EQUITIES-BANGKOK, Aug 31 (Reuters) - Indonesian shares hit a two-week low on Tuesday because of worries about inflation and the interest rate outlook but still ended with slim gains on the month, while other markets in the region were mixed on the day.

Analysts expect inflation in Indonesia, Southeast Asia's biggest economy, to have accelerated to a 16-month high of 6.7 percent in August when the data is published on Wednesday, ahead of an interest rate review by the central bank on Friday.

Singapore <.FTSTI> fell 0.2 percent, but Thailand <.SETI> rose 0.4 percent, with foreign investors buying a net 2.4 billion baht ($76.73 million) on the day. The Philippines <.PSI> gained 0.2 percent on resuming trade after a market holiday on Monday.

In Singapore, property developers fell for the second day after the government announced measures to cool the city-state's red-hot market, joining Hong Kong and China in taking steps to keep a lid on housing prices.

Trader's Highlight

DJI-NEW YORK, Aug 27 (Reuters) - Stocks rebounded to post their best gains in nearly four weeks on Friday, overcoming initial skittishness brought on by a revenue warning from Intel and dour comments from Federal Reserve Chairman Ben Bernanke.

Strong buying interest at a key technical level and short-covering sparked the market's comeback, and the tone improved as investors took a more positive view of Bernanke's comments about the economy and the Fed's readiness to act.

The Dow Jones industrial average <.DJI> gained 164.84 points, or 1.65 percent, to 10,150.65. The Standard & Poor's 500 Index <.SPX> jumped 17.37 points, or 1.66 percent, to 1,064.59. The Nasdaq Composite Index <.IXIC> climbed 34.94 points, or 1.65 percent, to 2,153.63.

NYMEX-NEW YORK, Aug 27 (Reuters) - U.S. crude oil futures ended higher on Friday, gaining for the third consecutive day and ending the week on the plus side for the first time in three weeks, after markets were reassured by comments from Federal Reserve Chairman Ben Bernanke that the central bank was prepared to act if needed to bolster slowing economic growth.

Late session short-covering also lifted prices as traders covered positions ahead of Tropical Storm Earl, which was moving over the Atlantic Ocean and could become a hurricane by Sunday.

On the New York Mercantile Exchange, crude for October delivery settled up $1.81, or 2.47 percent, at $75.17 a barrel, after trading from $72.04 to $75.21. In post-settlement trading, the day's high was extended to $75.44.

CBOT-CHICAGO, Aug 27 (Reuters) - Chicago Board of Trade grain and soy complex close on Friday.

CBOT-SOYBEANS - September up 9 cents at $10.22 per bushel, November up 11-1/2 at $10.26. Support from reports of low U.S. yields in the early harvest, brisk export demand gains in other vegoils like rapeseed, palm and canola and technical buying.

CBOT-SOYOIL - September up 0.71 cent at 40.20 cents per lb. Support from gains in soy and rallies in EU rapeseed, Malaysian palm and Canadian canola.

FCPO-KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 27 (Reuters) - Malaysian crude palm oil futures rose 0.5 percent on Friday on fears of a possible supply squeeze ahead of a Muslim festival and an upbeat price forecast by a top industry analyst.

Mainly Muslim Indonesia and Malaysia, the world's top palm oil producers, celebrate Eid Al-Fitr in mid-September after a month of fasting, which typically sees estate workers and millers take extended holidays.

The benchmark November crude palm oil contract rose 0.5 percent, or 13 ringgit, to 2,543 ringgit ($810.4) per tonne. Traded volume stood at 12,062 lots of 25 tonnes each.

Comments by Dorab Mistry, Godrej International's head of vegetable oil trading, also supported the market. The influential analyst said palm oil could trade close to 3,000 ringgit in the second half of this year on strong demand.

Still, some traders said demand for the vegetable oil was unpredictable as a few overseas orders have tapered off at current prices.

REGIONAL EQUITIES-BANGKOK, Aug 11 (Reuters) - Southeast Asian stock markets fell on Wednesday, wary of the weaker U.S. economic outlook, with banks leading Singapore's fall to three-week lows and a softening oil market pushing energy shares down across the region.

The U.S. economic environment kept investors cautious over the pace of recovery in Asia as well as the outlook for exports. Share markets in Malaysia <.KLSE> and Thailand <.SETI> touched their lowest in two weeks and Indonesia <.JKSE> a one-week low.

In Singapore, the benchmark Straits Times Index <.FTSTI> ended down 1.2 percent.

Singapore shares have pulled back around 3 percent from a year-high of 3,043.28 set on Aug. 3 as quarterly earnings and GDP numbers are now mostly out and the market is sizing up the possibility of a global economic relapse.

Malaysia's top power producer Tenaga Nasional eased 0.12 percent, Indonesia's biggest coal miner by market value Adaro Energy fell 1.2 percent and Philippine energy producer Aboitiz Power Corp lost 2.7 percent.

Breaking News-RTRS - Argentine lawmakers seek to cut grain export taxes

BUENOS AIRES, Aug 25 (Reuters) - Argentine opposition lawmakers have agreed on a draft bill that would slash hefty taxes on grain exports, a major source of state revenue that President Cristina Fernandez has vowed to maintain.
The president's so-called delegated powers expired at midnight, giving Congress the power to set export taxes. Fernandez's congressional rivals have pledged to cut the multibillion-dollar levies.
The proposal approved by the lower house's agriculture committee late on Tuesday, would cut the soybean export levy to 30 percent and then reduce it by 5 percentage points per year to 10 percent in 2015, lawmaker Ricardo Buryaile said in a statement.

Breaking News-RTRS - Palm oil may hit 3,000 ringgit/T in H2 -analyst Mistry

KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 26 (Reuters) - Malaysian crude palm oil futures may rise about 20 percent to trade close to 3,000 ringgit in the second half of 2010 as erratic weather slows output growth and demand strengthens, a top industry analyst said on Thursday.
Godrej International's head of vegetable oil trading Dorab Mistry said there has been a strong catch-up rally in vegetable oil prices, particularly palm oil that currently trades at around 2,500 ringgit on the Bursa Malaysia Derivatives (BMD).
Palm oil gained 6 percent in July, after dropping for two straight months before that.

Trader's Highlight

DJI-NEW YORK, Aug 26 (Reuters) - U.S. stocks sagged on Thursday as data that showed weekly initial jobless claims fell more than expected failed to stir much enthusiasm over the economy.

At the same time, central bankers from around the world met for their annual retreat, prepared to address problems rising from a darkening economic outlook.

Wall Street initially rose after the Labor Department data, but the first-time claims for jobless benefits remained too high to signal a shift in the weak labor market. As well, the four-week average of new claims, regarded as better reflecting trends, rose to the highest since late November.

The Dow Jones industrial average <.DJI> fell 77.77 points, or 0.77 percent, to 9,982.29. The Standard & Poor's 500 Index <.SPX> shed 8.29 points, or 0.79 percent, to 1,047.04. The Nasdaq Composite Index <.IXIC> lost 22.40 points, or 1.05 percent, to 2,119.14.

NYMEX-NEW YORK, Aug 26 (Reuters) - U.S. crude oil futures prices rose for a second straight session on Thursday, supported by data showing initial jobless claims fell last week and by the dollar's weakness against the euro and a basket of currencies.

Resistance firmed when crude prices neared $74 a barrel as the market tried to extend Wednesday's gains, when crude futures had bounced off an 11-week low under $71and snapped a string of five straight lower settlements.

On the New York Mercantile Exchange, October crude rose 84 cents, or 1.16 percent, to settle at $73.36 a barrel, trading from $72.54 to $73.98.

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

CBOT-SOYBEANS - September up 13 cents at $10.13 per bushel, November up 15-1/2 at $10.14-1/2. Spillover support from rally in corn and wheat and big exports of U.S. soy. Talk of low yields in the early harvest and forecasts for dry weather the next 10 days also lifted prices.

CBOT-SOYOIL - September up 0.35 cent at 39.49 cents per lb. Following soybeans and firm crude oil.

FCPO-KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 26 (Reuters) - Malaysian crude palm oil futures rebounded on Thursday from one-month lows hit the previous day due to technical buying and firmer oils markets.

Crude oil rose for a second day in Asian hours as investors bought back into the market after it hit 11-week lows, but analysts said the fundamental outlook was still bearish with ample stocks to cover any rebound in demand.

The benchmark November crude palm oil contract rose 1.8 percent, or 44 ringgit, to end at 2,530 Malaysian ringgit ($804.4) per tonne. The previous day, the contract ended at 2,486 ringgit -- the lowest since July 28. Traded volume stood at 17,790 lots of 25 tonnes each, above
the usual 10,000 lots.

REGIONAL EQUITIES-COLOMBO, Aug 26 (Reuters) - Indonesia's main share index hit a fresh record high on Thursday, while cautious optimism over the strength of the region's export-driven economies bolstered other Southeast Asian markets.

Indonesia <.JKSE> closed up 0.2 percent at a record 3,145.14. Malaysia <.KLSE> rose 0.8 percent to its highest since Feb. 21, 2008, the Philippines <.PSI> jumped 1.2 percent, Thailand <.SETI> edged up 0.2 percent and Vietnam <.VNI> added 0.8 percent. Singapore closed flat.

In Kaula Lumpur, palm oil-to-property conglomerate Sime Darby closed up 1.6percent before posting a fourth-quarter net loss of 77.35 million ringgit against a profit of 984 million ringgit in the year-earlier quarter.

Malaysian lender CIMB Group Holdings rose 0.9 percent before announcing a record quarterly net profit, while country's largest lender Malayan Banking added 1.1 percent. It posted its best-ever full-year profit on Aug. 20.

Trader's Highlight

DJI-NEW YORK, Aug 25 (Reuters) - U.S. stocks staged a comeback on Wednesday, breaking a four-day losing streak by major indexes, as key technical support triggered bargain hunting that offset weak economic data.

The S&P 500 index had sagged as much as 1 percent after data showed new single-family home sales slumped to a record slow pace in July and orders for manufactured durable goods rose far less than anticipated.

The Dow Jones industrial average <.DJI> rose 19.61 points, or 0.20 percent, to 10,060.06. The Standard & Poor's 500 Index <.SPX> added 3.46 points, or 0.33 percent, to 1,055.33. The Nasdaq Composite Index <.IXIC> gained 17.78 points, or 0.8percent, to 2,141.54.

NYMEX-NEW YORK, Aug 25 (Reuters) - U.S. crude oil futures settled higher on Wednesday, bouncing off an 11-week low hit earlier in the day and snapping a five-day streak of lower settlements as the market shrugged off government data showing across-the-board rises in crude oil and product inventories.

The stock market also ended higher after a seesaw session, helping support crude prices.

On the New York Mercantile Exchange, October crude rose 89 cents, or 1.24 percent, to settle at $72.52 a barrel, trading from $70.76 to $72.87, extending the high trade in post-settlement trading.

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

CBOT-SOYBEANS - September up 1/2 cent at $10 per bushel, November unchanged at $9.99. Consolidation trade with some short-covering after Tuesday's drop lending support but a drop in wheat and the approach of an expected record-large U.S. soybean harvest also hangs over the market.

CBOT-SOYOIL - September down 0.34 cent at 39.14 cents per lb. Pressured as oil/meal spreads unwind.

FCPO-KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 25 (Reuters) - Malaysian crude palm oil futures dropped to one-month lows on Wednesday as slower overseas demand and concerns over the pace of global economic recovery weakened sentiment.

Palm oil fell for a second consecutive day after cargo surveyors reported declines for Malaysian exports during Aug 1-25 from a month ago.

The benchmark November crude palm oil contract dropped almost 1 percent, or 24 ringgit, to close at 2,486 ringgit ($791.4). The 2,486 ringgit level was last touched on July 28. Overall traded volume nearly tripled to 29,218 lots of 25 tonnes each.

REGIONAL EQUTIES-BANGKOK, Aug 25 (Reuters) - Indonesia's main share index climbed to a fresh all-time high on Wednesday as investors sought bargains from resource-related shares just as regional equities remained wary of a spate of worrying U.S. economic data.

Cautious investors cut positions in overbought markets, lopping 0.6 percent each off Thai stocks <.SETI> and Malaysian shares <.KLSE>. Economic optimism had pushed the Thai index to a 33-month high and Malaysia's index to a 2-½ year high.

Singapore <.FTSTI> gained 0.1 percent, reversing its early loss to a one-month low and ended its three-day loss. The Philippines <.PSI> gained 0.7 percent while Vietnam <.VNI> dropped 2.4 percent, extending losses for a third session and hitting its lowest since July 23, 2009.

Among bright spots in the region, Southeast Asia's largest telcom firm Singapore Telecommunications rose 1.3 percent as investors bought shares in companies whose earnings are more resilient in an economic downturn.

Singapore's 14-day RSI was 46.2, Indonesia's was 66.09 and Philippnes' was 59.56. Vietnam's 14-day RSI was 19.9 at the close, indicating the market is oversold.

Trader's Highlight

DJI-NEW YORK, Aug 24 (Reuters) - U.S. stocks fell to their lowest level in seven weeks on Tuesday as an unexpectedly large drop in home sales ratcheted up concerns that the economic recovery is even weaker than had been feared.

The Dow and S&P 500 racked up their fourth day of losses in a row after an industry group reported that sales of U.S. existing homes in July fell to their slowest pace in 15 years.

The Dow Jones industrial average <.DJI> fell 133.96 points, or 1.32 percent, to 10,040.45. The Standard & Poor's 500 Index <.SPX> shed 15.49 points, or 1.45 percent, to 1,051.87. The Nasdaq Composite Index <.IXIC> lost 35.87 points, or 1.66 percent, to 2,123.76.

NYMEX-NEW YORK, Aug 24 (Reuters) - U.S. crude oil futures ended down for the fifth day in a row on Tuesday, hitting the lowest level in 11 weeks, as fears persisted an economic slowdown would further erode oil demand.

Those fears were reinforced by data showing sales of previously owned U.S. homes plunged in July and a warning from Chicago Federal Reserve president that the risk of a double-dip recession was higher than six months ago.

On the New York Mercantile Exchange, October crude settled down $1.47, or 2.01percent, at $71.63 a barrel, the lowest close since prices ended at $71.44 on June.

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

CBOT-SOYBEANS - September down 7-1/2 cents at $9.99-1/2 per bushel, November down 6-1/2 at $9.99. Outlooks for record large U.S. 2010 soy production, spillover from falling wheat futures, lower crude oil and equities markets combine to weigh on soy futures. Additional weight from seasonal harvest pressure.

CBOT-SOYOIL - September up 0.23 cent at 39.48 cents per lb. Supported by funds buying 2,000 contracts, traders said.

FCPO-KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 24 (Reuters) - Malaysian crude palm oil futures fell to a three-week low on Tuesday on technical selling and a slowdown in demand thanks to a surge in cash prices.

Palm oil has lost 5.7 percent so far this year thanks to expectations of bountiful supply of U.S. soybeans although losses were limited by oilseeds output in Europe due to drought and rainy weather in oil palm growing Southeast Asia.

Traders say demand has been lacklustre due to a slowdown in orders from China and Pakistan. Refiners have been cautious as the recent strength in the Malaysian ringgit may hit their margins from processing and exporting palm oil.

The benchmark November crude palm oil contract on the Bursa Malaysia Derivatives Exchange fell almost 2 percent, or 50 ringgit, to 2,510 ringgit ($801.9) a tonne after touching its lowest since July 30 at 2,502 ringgit. Traded volume nearly tripled to 28,938 lots of 25 tonnes each.

REGIONAL EQUITIES-BANGKOK, Aug 24 (Reuters) - Southeast Asian stock markets fell on Tuesday, with Indonesia's benchmark index coming off an all-time high, as investors cut positions in riskier assets ahead of U.S. economic data.

Late selling pulled markets off intraday highs. Singapore's main share index <.FTSTI> inched down 0.1 percent, while Thailand <.SETI> reversed early gains. Optimism fueled by better-than-expected second quarter economy had pushed the Thai market to its highest in 33 months on Monday.

The Philippines <.PSI> dropped 2.3 percent, ending a five-day rise to a 2-½ year high, while Vietnam <.VNI> lost 3.01 percent to an 8-month low, with an outflow of $233,000 for the session, Thomson Reuters data show. Bucking the trend, Malaysia <.KLSE> inched up 0.2 percent, marking a new 2-½ year high.

Trader's Highlight

DJI-NEW YORK, Aug 23 (Reuters) - U.S. stocks slipped in one of the lightest volume sessions of the year on Monday as investors took refuge in defensive shares after the latest corporate M&A failed to soothe concerns the recovery is stalling.

Technology shares weighed on the broad market and sent the Nasdaq composite lower as a possible bidding war over data storage company 3PAR between Hewlett Packard Co and Dell Inc sent shares of HP 2 percent lower.

The Dow Jones industrial average <.DJI> slipped 39.21 points, or 0.38 percent, to 10,174.41. The Standard & Poor's 500 Index <.SPX> lost 4.33 points, or 0.40 percent, to 1,067.36. The Nasdaq Composite Index <.IXIC> fell 20.13 points, or 0.92 percent, to 2,159.63.

NYMEX-NEW YORK, Aug 23 (Reuters) - U.S. crude oil futures ended lower for the fourth day in a row on Monday, dragged down by a steep slide in gasoline futures and as dollar remained firm, having recovered from early weakness.

There were no major economic indicators for the day and oil traders turned to the financial markets early for market guidance.

On the New York Mercantile Exchange, crude for October delivery settled down 72 cents, or 0.98 percent, at $73.10 a barrel, the lowest close since front-month contract prices ended at $71.98 on July 6. It traded from $72.75 to $74.48.

CBOT-CHICAGO, Aug 23 (Reuters) - Chicago Board of Trade grain and soy complex close on Monday.

CBOT-SOYBEANS - September down 2-1/4 cents at $10.07 per bushel, most-active November up 1-1/2 at $10.05-1/2. Supported by brisk export demand for soybeans and the strength in wheat. Rally limited by seasonal pressure as U.S. harvest nears; market expects a large soy crop.

CBOT-SOYOIL - September down 0.27 cent at 39.25 cents per lb. Pressured by declines in crude oil.

FCPO-KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 23 (Reuters) - Malaysian crude palm oil futures ended 0.6percent higher on Monday after touching fresh three-week lows earlier in the session over concerns that a stronger ringgit will hurt refiner margins.

Traders are on the lookout for new cues after palm oil futures last week notchedtheir biggest weekly fall since October as traders took profits from a recent weather-induced rally in agriculture markets as well as lower palm oil exports.

The benchmark November crude palm oil contract rose by 16 ringgit to 2,560 ringgit ($815.3) a tonne, after reaching an intraday low of 2,532 ringgit -- a level unseen since July 30. Overall traded volume rose to 18,218 lots of 25 tonnes each from the usual 10,000 lots.

REGIONAL EQUITIES-BANGKOK, Aug 23 (Reuters) - Thai stocks edged higher on Monday to their highest in 33-months after better-than expected second-quarter economic data and an improving outlook.

Thailand's economy unexpectedly grew in the second quarter from the first as a surge in exports offset deadly political unrest, cementing expectations interest rates will rise further this year.

Economic optimism continued to boost investor appetite in the region, sending Malaysia <.KLSE> and the Philippines <.PSI> each to a 2-½ year high with each adding about 0.6 percent.

Several Southeast Asian stock markets closed above their 5-day moving average, showing a near-term buy signal, including Thaiand's 5-day moving avearage of 886, Malaysia's 1,390.91, Indonesia's 3,101.12 and Philippines' 3,569.63.

Among weak spots in Singapore, Wilmar , the world's largest listed palm oil firm, fell 0.3 percent.

It announced its subsidiaries will acquire the business of a Singapore sugar trading company, Windsor & Brook Trading, and all of the shares of PT Jawamanis Rafinasi, which owns sugar refineries in Indonesia.

In Kuala Lumpur, Telekom Malaysia Bhd gained 0.9 percent. It released after market close a second-quarter net profit of 124.38 million ringgit, versus 265.97 million ringgit a year ago.

Trader's Highlight

DJI-NEW YORK, Aug 20 (Reuters) - U.S. stocks slipped on Friday and the S&P 500 and Dow fell for a second straight week on persistent concerns the recovery has tapered off.

Even so, major indexes came off Friday's lows as some investors homed in on positive outlooks in the tech sector and used this week's M&A news as an excuse for late-day buying.

The Dow Jones industrial average <.DJI> slipped 57.59 points, or 0.56 percent, to 10,213.62. The Standard & Poor's 500 Index <.SPX> was off 3.94 points, or 0.37 percent, to 1,071.69. The Nasdaq Composite Index <.IXIC> added 0.81 points, or 0.04 percent, to 2,179.76.

NYMEX-NEW YORK, Aug 20 (Reuters) - U.S. crude oil futures closed lower on Friday as the front-month September contract expired, losing for the third day in a row and down for the second straight week as worries about a stalling economic recovery festered.

U.S. equities fell as concern about the jobs market and slower manufacturing pace that prevailed on Thursday continued, helping spark another day of selling in oil futures.

On NYMEX, September crude settled down 97 cents, or 1.3 percent, at $73.46 a barrel, the lowest since front-month prices ended at $71.98 on July 6. It traded from $73.19, lowest since July 7's intraday low of $71.44, to $74.60.

CBOT-CHICAGO, Aug 20 (Reuters) - Chicago Board of Trade grain and soy complex close on Friday.

CBOT-SOYBEANS - September down 7-1/2 cents per bushel at $10.09-1/4. Outlooks for a record large U.S. soy crop for this year's harvest, a firm dollar, lower crude oil and weak equities combine to weigh on market. Talk China may sell soybeans from its reserves also weighing on market.

CBOT-SOYOIL - September down 0.37 cent per lb at 39.52 cents per lb. Spillover pressure from lower soybeans and weak crude oil. Talk China may sell soyoil from its reserves also weighing on market.

FCPO-KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 20 (Reuters) - Malaysian crude palm oil futures notched their biggest weekly fall since last October as traders took profits from a recent weather rally in global soyoil markets and lower palm oil exports.

Palm oil tumbled 2.4 percent to a three-week low after surveyors reported lacklustre Malaysian exports for August 1-20. It also took cues from sharp declines in China's soyoil market as both commodities compete for use in the food and fuel sectors.

The benchmark November crude palm oil contract on Bursa Malaysia Derivatives Exchange ended almost 2 percent, or 51 ringgit, lower to 2,544 ringgit ($813) after going as low as 2,533 -- a level unseen since July 30. Traded volume almost doubled, to 19,861 lots of 25 tonnes each.

REGIONAL EQUITIES-BANGKOK, Aug 20 (Reuters) - Most Southeast Asian stock markets rose on Friday, bolstered by foreign inflows into most of the region's emerging economies, with Indonesia hitting a record high for a second day and Malaysia finishing at a one-year high.

Indonesia <.JKSE>, Asia's second-best performer this year, gained 0.4 percent, beating its previous record a day earlier.

Malaysia <.KLSE> scaled a one-year high, just shy of an all-time record, gaining 0.18percent, while Thailand <.SETI>, Southeast Asia's second-best performer, closed up 0.3 percent, hovering near 33-month highs on continued foreign buying.

Singapore's Straits Times Index <.FTSTI> bucked the regional trend, slumping 0.61 percent before closing at 0.35 percent, with investors staying on the sidelines after poor U.S. economic data led to Wall Street losses overnight.

Breaking News-RTRS - Malaysia liberalises ringgit trade

SINGAPORE, Aug 19 (Reuters) - The Malaysian ringgit (MYR=) hit a 13-year high on Thursday after the country's central bank announced rules to allow the currency to be used to settle cross-border trade.

Breaking News-RTRS - Malaysia liberalises ringgit trade

SINGAPORE, Aug 19 (Reuters) - The Malaysian ringgit (MYR=) hit a 13-year high on Thursday after the country's central bank announced rules to allow the currency to be used to settle cross-border trade. (ID: nSGE67HOGQ)
Here are facts about financial regulation in Malaysia for non-residents:
THE REGULATORS The central bank, Bank Negara Malaysia, sets and manages forex policy, and regulates the financial industry.
The Securities Commission regulates the securities and futures market, is responsible for corporate takovers and mergers, and oversees the clearing house.
The Labuan Offshore Financial Services Authority oversees Malaysia's offshore financial centre.

Trader's Highlight

DJI-NEW YORK, Aug 19 (Reuters) - Fear gripped world markets on Thursday, pummeling stocks and driving the dollar to a near 15-year low against the yen as the latest economic data spurred new worries of a deepening slowdown in the United States that could reverberate around the world.

Investors fled for the safety of U.S. Treasuries and gold, sending the yield on the 30-year Treasury bond to its lowest level since April 2009 and driving gold to a seven-week high in New York.

New U.S. claims for first-time jobless benefits scaled a nine-month high last week, while the Federal Reserve Bank of Philadelphia reported an unexpected contraction in manufacturing in the Mid-Atlantic region.

The Dow Jones industrial average <.DJI> was down 144.33 points, or 1.39 percent, at 10,271.21. The benchmark Standard & Poor's 500 Index <.SPX> was down 18.53 points, or 1.69 percent, at 1,075.63. The Nasdaq Composite Index <.IXIC> was down 36.75 points, or 1.66 percent, at 2,178.95.

NYMEX-NEW YORK, Aug 19 (Reuters) - U.S. crude oil futures prices fell a second straight session on Thursday as weak U.S. economic data fueled concerns about demand in a tepid economic recovery.

Factory activity in the U.S. Mid-Atlantic region unexpectedly contracted in August to its lowest level in more than a year, according to the Philadelphia Federal Reserve Bank, which said its business activity index fell to minus 7.7 in August from July's 5.1.

On the New York Mercantile Exchange, September crude fell 99 cents, or 1.31 percent, to settle at $74.43 a barrel, trading from $73.96 to $76.10.


CBOT-CHICAGO, Aug 19 (Reuters) - Chicago Board of Trade grain and soy complex close on Thursday.

CBOT-SOYBEANS - September down 18-1/2 cents per bushel at $10.16-3/4. Opened higher on a surge in wheat and big exports, but turned weak on profit-taking and outlooks for a potential record large U.S. soy crop in 2010.

CBOT-SOYOIL - September down 0.97 cent per lb at 39.89. Pressure from lower soy and weak crude oil.

FCPO-KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 19 (Reuters) - Malaysian crude palm oil futures fell to their lowest in more than two weeks on Thursday over concerns the appreciating ringgit currency would hit refining margins while the soy production outlook stayed strong.

Palm oil has recouped some of its losses in 2010 although it may fall further as a stronger ringgit against the U.S. dollar could lead to lower margins for refiners who buy crude palm oil in the Malaysian currency for processing and export in the U.S. currency.

The benchmark November crude palm oil contract on Bursa Malaysia Derivatives Exchange dropped 0.6 percent, or 15 ringgit, to 2,595 ringgit ($825.6) per tonne after falling as low as 2,567 ringgit, a level unseen since Aug. 3. Overall traded volume nearly doubled to 19,817 lots of 25 tonnes each from the usual 10,000 lots.

REGIONAL EQUITIES-BANGKOK, Aug 19 (Reuters) - Southeast Asian stock markets rose on Thursday as optimism over the region's emerging economies lured capital inflows, with Indonesian equities scaling an all-time high and Thai stocks hitting a 33-month high.

Indonesia gained the largest daily net foreign inflow this year of $197 million while Thailand recorded a fourth straight session of foreign buying and the biggest daily net inflow in three weeks worth $82.3 million.

Singapore <.FTSTI> rose nearly 1 percent to a 1-week high, Malaysia <.KLSE> and the Philippines <.PSI> each hovered at their highest in 2-½ years, gaining 0.5 percent and 0.7 percent, respectively.

In Singapore, investors bought property stocks on improving demand for office space in the city-state.

Property developer CapitaLand and City Developments each rose 2.8percent.

Trader's Highlight

DJI-NEW YORK, Aug 18 (Reuters) - Wall Street rose on Wednesday, led by gains in consumer stocks after a sales forecast from discounter Target Corp temporarily quelled concerns about consumer demand.

Shares of Target rose 2.5 percent to $51.95 after the company said it expects same-store sales to increase 1 percent to 3 percent in the third quarter and be up slightly more in the fourth quarter. The outlook came a day after the stock market rallied on higher-than-expected earnings from Wal-Mart Stores and Home Depot .

The Dow Jones industrial average <.DJI> was up 9.69 points, or 0.09 percent, at 10,415.54. The Standard & Poor's 500 Index <.SPX> was up 1.62 points, or 0.15 percent, at 1,094.16. The Nasdaq Composite Index <.IXIC> was up 6.26 points, or 0.28 percent, at 2,215.70.

NYMEX-NEW YORK, Aug 18 (Reuters) - U.S. crude oil futures prices fell on Wednesday as government data showed total domestic commercial petroleum inventories soared to a record last week.

Losses were pared, however, as oil traders took guidance from higher U.S. equities, an alternative marker for oil demand going forward.

On the New York Mercantile Exchange, September crude settled down 35 cents, or 0.46 percent, at $75.42 a barrel, trading from $73.83, lowest since July 7's intraday low of $71.44, to $75.74.

CBOT-CHICAGO, Aug 18 (Reuters) - Chicago Board of Trade grain and soy complex close on Wednesday.

CBOT-SOYBEANS - September down 10 cents at $10.35-1/4, new-crop November down 11-1/4 cents at $10.30-3/4. Cooler U.S. Midwest weather weighed on soy as it helped boost prospects a record large U.S. soybean crop this year. Decline slowed by gains in wheat and corn and outlooks for a big number for soybeans in Thursday's USDA weekly export sales report.

CBOT-SOYOIL - September down 0.73 cent at 40.86 cents per lb. Pressure from lower soy and meal/oil spreading.

FCPO-KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 18 (Reuters) - Malaysia crude palm oil futures fell to a fresh one-week low on Wednesday as market players booked profit on lacklustre soyoil markets.

The benchmark November crude palm oil contract dropped 1.4 percent, or 36 ringgit, to 2,610 ringgit ($827.5) per tonne after going as low as 2,592 ringgit -- a level unseen since Aug 5.

Overall traded volume almost tripled to 28,152 lots of 25 tonnes each from the usual 10,000 lots.

REGIONAL EQUITIES-BANGKOK, Aug 18 (Reuters) - Thai shares rose to their highest in more than two years on Wednesday as investors snapped up energy and bank stocks, but stubborn global economic concerns capped sentiment elsewhere in the region.

Thailand recorded its third straight session of foreign inflows for a combined $52.95 million, stock exchange data showed. Strong capital flows, lured by the economic recovery, pushed Thai baht to its strongest level in 28 months.

Malaysia <.KLSE> edged up 0.5 percent, extending gains for a fourth-session to a new 2-½ year high. Malaysia's central bank issued second-quarter gross domestic production data after the market close, showing the economy accelerating 8.9 percent from a year earlier, beating consensus.

Indonesia <.JKSE> rose 0.6 percent, with net foreign inflows on the session of $23.9 million, according to Thomson Reuters data. Singapore <.FTSTI> inched down 0.14 percent and Philippines <.PSI> was up 0.9 percent at a one-week high.

In Kuala Lumpur, rallying gaming group Genting fell 0.7 percent, pausing after a 3-day rally to a three-year high. Its Genting Malaysia , the country's sole casino operator, was up 1.7 percent.

The group's Singapore-listed Genting Singapore rose 2 percent. Investor bullishness about the tourism sector helped the outlook of casino market and pushed shares in the group to overbought zone. The stock's 14-day relative strength index (RSI) was above 70 on Wednesday, which indicates overbought.

Shipping firms in the region tracked rising freight rates, with the Baltic Exchange's main sea freight index <.BADI>, which tracks rates to ship dry commodities, rising on Tuesday.

Trader's Highlight

DJI-NEW YORK, Aug 17 (Reuters) - U.S. stocks rose on Tuesday after earnings from Wal-Mart and Home Depot and a $39 billion takeover bid in the agriculture sector bolstered confidence in the corporate outlook.

The two retailing giants reported profit that topped expectations, buoying the Dow industrials.

The Dow Jones industrial average <.DJI> was up 103.84 points, or 1.01 percent, at 10,405.85. The Standard & Poor's 500 Index <.SPX> was up 13.16 points, or 1.22 percent, at 1,092.54. The Nasdaq Composite Index <.IXIC> was up 27.57 points, or 1.26 percent, at 2,209.44.

NYMEX-NEW YORK, Aug 17 (Reuters) - U.S. crude oil futures ended higher on Tuesday, rebounding from a five-day losing streak, as stronger equities and growth in U.S. industrial production eased some economic worries while the dollar weakened, prompting more risk-taking in commodities.

Options on NYMEX September crude expired at the close, with open positions concentrated at the $77 call, creating a gravitational pull toward that level.

On the New York Mercantile Exchange, September crude settled up 53 cents, or 0.7 percent, at $75.77, trading from $75.01 to $76.63.

CBOT-CHICAGO, Aug 17 (Reuters) - Chicago Board of Trade grain and soy complex close on Tuesday.

CBOT-SOYBEANS - September up 11-1/4 cents at $10.45-1/4, new-crop November up 10-1/2 cents at $10.42. Soy/wheat spreading and some support from drier-than-desired weather in roughly 15 to 20 percent of the eastern Midwest. Higher equities, crude oil and a weak dollar added support.

CBOT-SOYOIL - September up 0.14 cent at 41.59 cents per lb. Support from gains in soybeans and firm crude oil.

FCPO-KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 17 (Reuters) - Malaysian crude palm oil futures fell to more than one-week lows on Tuesday along with other vegetable oil markets although prospects of lower production reined in losses.

Traders were concerned palm oil demand might have slowed after a cargo surveyor reported Malaysian exports fell 16 percent for the first half of August.

The benchmark November crude palm oil futures on Bursa Malaysia Derivatives fell 1.2 percent, or 32 ringgit, to 2,646 ringgit ($832.1) per tonne after touching its lowest point since August 6 of 2,637 ringgit by midday. Traded volume more than doubled to 21,589 lots of 25 tonnes each.

REGIONAL EQUITIES-BANGKOK, Aug 17 (Reuters) - Malaysian shares rose on Tuesday, hovering near 2-½ year highs, as earnings optimism pushed up banks and heavyweight gaming group Genting while concerns over global growth plagued other Southeast Asian bourses.

Malaysia's main share index <.KLSE> ended up 0.6 percent. The index, which outperformed Southeast Asian bourses last week, extended gains for a third session for a combined 2.15 percent rise ahead of second-quarter GDP on Wednesday.

Financial firm AMMB Holdings Bhd rose 3.4 percent to a 2-year high after its quarterly earnings rose 43 percent, while top lender Maybank gained 0.4 percent to near a 2-½ year high on positive expectations for fourth-quarter results due on Aug. 20.

Genting Malaysia , Malaysia's sole casino operator, rose 6 percent while gaming firm Genting Bhd was up 2.4 percent after strong profits from its Singapore operations.

But overbought Singapore-listed Genting dropped 3.8 percent, reversing a 6.3 percent rise in morning trade. Its 14-day relative strength index (RSI) was at 76.65 at the close on Tuesday, breaching the 70-plus mark that indicates overbought.

Singapore's benchmark Straits Times Index <.FTSTI> extended losses for a second session, ending 0.35 percent lower.

Trader's Highlight

DJI-NEW YORK, Aug 16 (Reuters) - The Nasdaq advanced on Monday as investors bought beaten-down technology stocks after a four-day selloff, but concerns about the economy after weak data kept investors wary. The Standard & Poor's 500 index and the Dow industrials fell modestly.

The Dow Jones industrial average <.DJI> was down 9.69 points, or 0.09 percent, at 10,293.46. The Standard & Poor's 500 Index <.SPX> was down 0.60 point, or 0.06 percent, at 1,078.65. The Nasdaq Composite Index <.IXIC> was up 8.13 points, or 0.37 percent, at 2,181.61.

NYMEX-NEW YORK, Aug 16 (Reuters) - Crude oil futures ended lower for the fifth consecutive session on Monday as weak economic data from Japan and the United States fueled more worries about energy demand, erasing support from a weaker dollar.

The down day extended the oil market's losing streak to five sessions, with losses rising to more than 7 percent, the worst performance since a similar period ending July 6.

On the New York Mercantile Exchange, crude for September delivery settled down 15 cents, or 0.2 percent, at $75.24 a barrel, after trading $74.86 to $75.95.

CBOT-CHICAGO, Aug 16 (Reuters) - Chicago Board of Trade grain and soy complex close on Monday.

CBOT-SOYBEANS - September down 9-1/2 cents at $10.34, new-crop November down 12-1/2 at $10.31-1/2. Pressure from falling wheat futures and from a turn to better crop weather this week in the U.S. Midwest.

CBOT-SOYOIL - September down 1.07 cents per lb at 41.45 cents per lb. Funds sold 3,000 to 4,000 contracts.

FCPO-KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 16 (Reuters) - Malaysian crude palm oil futures closed almost half a percent lower on Monday on weaker overseas demand but weather concerns in key soy-growing regions limited losses.

Traders were concerned that strong demand was tapering off when cargo surveyors reported up to 16.4 percent decline in Malaysian palm oil exports for August 1-15.

The benchmark November crude palm oil futures ended 0.45 percent, or 12 ringgit, lower at 2,678 ringgit ($845.8) per tonne. Overall traded volume more than doubled to 24,510 lots of 25 tonnes each.

REGIONAL EQUITIES-BANGKOK, Aug 16 (Reuters) - Malaysian stocks rose to their highest in nearly 2-½ years on Monday on optimism over domestic economic growth, while Southeast Asia's other big stock markets retreated on concerns over the global economy.

Malaysia's main share index <.KLSE> ended up 0.8 percent at the highest since February 2008, helped by expectations second-quarter economic data on Aug. 18 will show the economy grew about 8.1 percent from a year earlier.

While that's slower than the first quarter's 10.1 percent growth, it still shows the economy in sturdy shape, drawing investors into shares with good earnings prospects such as gaming group Genting Bhd and top lender Maybank .

Malaysia has been a regional stock market laggard with gains for the year of 7.7 percent, Southeast Asia's third-worst performer, followed by Singapore's 1.2 percent gain and Vietnam's 6.1 percent loss.

Outperforming Genting rose 6.6 percent, with foreigners seen buying the stock, dealers said. It rose on Friday after its Singapore operations posted a second-quarter profit. Singapore-listed Genting surged 8.2 percent.

Maybank rose 2.9 percent on expectations of positive fourth-quarter results scheduled for Aug. 20.

Major stock markets, including Singapore <.FTSTI>, Indonesia <.JKSE> and Thailand <.SETI>, were weaker as soft U.S. economic figures and escalating risk aversion took a toll.

Singapore edged down 0.2 percent, Indonesia <.JKSE>, Asia's best performing bourse this year, recovered from early losses to end almost unchanged. Jakarta will be shut on Tuesday for a national holiday and trading will resume on Wednesday.

In Singapore, Singapore Telecommunications , Southeast Asia's largest telecoms firm, fell 2.6 percent to S$2.96, having hit S$2.95, the lowest since June 11.

Broker Citi Investment Research cut the stock's target price to S$3 as it reduced its earnings forecast for 2011 and 2012 by 2-5 percent, in part due to lower contributions from foreign affiliates.

Breaking News-RTRS-Wilmar to buy 20 pct of Indonesian palm oil firm

SINGAPORE, Aug 13 (Reuters) - Singapore's Wilmar International , the world's largest listed palm oil firm, will take a 20 percent stake in Kencana Agri , the Indonesian firm said on Friday.
The deal involves Kencana, which is also involved in palm oil, raising S$52.5 million via a placement of new shares to Wilmar. The new shares represent about 15 percent of Kencana's enlarged capital.
Kencana's existing shareholder Kencana Holdings will sell another 5 percent of the firm to Wilmar.
The deal values Kencana at S$0.35 a share, which is less than the firm's last traded price of S$0.395.
Reuters reported on Wednesday that Wilmar was planning to take a 20 percent stake in Kencana.

Trader's Highlight

DJI-NEW YORK, Aug 13 (Reuters) - U.S. stocks closed out their worst week in six with a whimper on Friday, slumping toward the close as economic data gave little reason to reverse a string of sell-offs.

In a thinly traded session, indexes posted their fourth day of losses though selling pressure was limited in the Dow by strength in Bank of America Corp .

The Dow Jones industrial average <.DJI> dropped 16.80 points, or 0.16 percent, to 10,303.15. The Standard & Poor's 500 Index <.SPX> dropped 4.36 points, or 0.40 percent, to 1,079.25. The Nasdaq Composite Index <.IXIC> dropped 16.79 points, or 0.77 percent, to 2,173.48.

NYMEX-NEW YORK, Aug 13 (Reuters) - U.S. crude oil futures prices ended lower for a fourth day in a row on Friday and finished the week with the biggest percentage loss in six weeks, as fears grew that the slowing economic recovery would further erode oil demand.

U.S. retail sales rebounded in July but had signs of lingering economic softness while another indicator, consumer sentiment, appears to have stabilized so far this month, but consumers appeared still nervous over the near term, they said.

On the New York Mercantile Exchange, September crude settled down 35 cents, or 0.46 percent, at $75.39 a barrel. For the week, prices fell $5.31, or 6.6 percent, the worst week for front-month crude since the week to July 2, when prices finished $6.72 lower, or 8.52 percent.

CBOT-CHICAGO, Aug 13 (Reuters) - Chicago Board of Trade grain and soy complex close on Friday.

CBOT-SOYBEANS - August expired down 5 cents per bushel at $10.52. September up 17-1/2 at $10.43-1/2, new-crop November up 15-1/2 cents at $10.44. Soybean futures rallied due to good demand from top buyer China and forecasts for heat that could stress the U.S. crop during its key pod filling phase.

CBOT-SOYOIL - August expired up 0.71 cent per lb at 41.80. September up 1.31cents at 42.52 cents per lb. Spillover strength from soybean rally supportive.

FCPO-KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 13 (Reuters) - Malaysian crude palm oil futures hit a 15-month high on renewed concerns about weather following a pessimistic grain production report from the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

The U.S. government made a bigger-than-expected cut in its forecast for world wheat production, pushing U.S. wheat futures to close more than 2 percent higher on Thursday. Soybean and corn also followed wheat higher.

The benchmark October crude palm oil contract on Bursa Malaysia Derivatives Exchange climbed 45 ringgit, or 1.7 percent, to 2,718 ringgit ($857.4) a tonne, after rising as high as 2,737 ringgit -- a level unseen since May 15 last year. Overall volume more than doubled to 23,782 lots of 25 tonnes each.

REGIONAL EQUITIES-COLOMBO, Aug 13 (Reuters) - Most Southeast Asian stock markets rose on Friday as investors looked for bargains after earlier losses that were driven by concern over the global economic recovery.

Indonesia <.JKSE> gained 0.9 percent, Singapore <.FTSTI> rose 0.4 percent after hitting a three-week low on Thursday, Malaysia <.JKSE> closed 0.6 percent firmer, and Vietnam <.VNI> added 1 percent.

Singapore shares rose after falling for three straight sessions with Genting Singapore surging over 14 percent after the casino operator posted strong second-quarter earnings.

Shares in Singapore's banks also recovered marginally with 0.3 percent rise in top lender DBS Group , a 0.1 percent gain in United Overseas Bank and a 0.4 percent rise in Oversea Chinese Banking Corp .

Bucking the trend, Wilmar , the world's biggest listed palm oil firm, fell 2.2 percent after posting a fall in earnings.

Malaysian shares rebounded with Genting Malaysia jumping 6.2 percent and Axiata Group gaining 2.8 percent.

Breaking News-RTRS-INDONESIA'S PALM OIL ASSOCIATION SAYS SEES SLOWER OUTPUT GROWTH IN 2010 OF 4.5-5 PCT DUE TO RAINS

JAKARTA, Aug 13 (Reuters) - Indonesia's crude palm oil (CPO) production may grow at a slower pace of 4.5-5 percent this year, versus last year's 7.5 percent growth, as prolonged rains have affected yields, the head of the country's palm oil association said on Friday.

Breaking News-RTRS - US 2010 CORN YIELD 165.0 BU/AC (VS TRADE ESTIMATE 164.08), SOYBEANS 44.0 BU/AC (VS TRADE 43.06)-USDA

WASHINGTON, Aug 12 (Reuters) - U.S. farmers will reap record-large corn and soybean crops this fall, barely keeping pace with demand, while a surge in wheat exports will offset a devastating drought in Russia, the government forecast on Thursday.
The Agriculture Department also forecast a cotton crop of 18.5 million bales weighing 480 lbs (218 kg), based on conditions at the start of August. It raised its wheat estimate by 2 percent, to 2.26 billion bushels. Corn, wheat and soybean yields would be record-high.