Trader's Highlight

DJI-NEW YORK, Jan 4 (Reuters) - Investors abandoned red-hot commodity shares on Tuesday, while fears of lower supermarket profits hit food retailers, sending the S&P and Nasdaq lower.

Volume was strong for a second day as investors reshuffled their portfolios at the beginning of the year, and analysts said the attractiveness of equities was intact.

Recent stock gainers topped Tuesday's list of losers, falling as copper, oil and other commodities slipped from multiyear highs.

The Dow Jones industrial average <.DJI> added 20.43 points, or 0.18 percent, to 11,691.18. The Standard & Poor's 500 Index <.SPX> dipped 1.67 points, or 0.13 percent, to 1,270.20. The Nasdaq Composite Index <.IXIC> was off 10.27 points, or 0.38 percent, to 2,681.25.

NYMEX-NEW YORK, Jan 4 (Reuters) - U.S. crude oil futures slid more than 2 percent on Tuesday, posting their biggest one-day percentage loss since mid-November, as investors took some profits after prices rose to a 27-month high on Monday.

Profit-taking also hit a broad range of commodities after the dollar bounced on economic data that showed an increase in U.S. factory orders in November.

On the New York Mercantile Exchange, crude for February delivery settled down $2.17, or 2.37 percent, at $89.38 a barrel, after trading from $88.36 to $92.07.

CBOT-CHICAGO, Jan 4 (Reuters) - Chicago Board of Trade grain and soy complex futures closed lower on Tuesday amid a wave of profit-taking and long liquidation, traders said.

Prices had climbed to levels that some analysts viewed as lofty and unsustainable. Front-month corn futures, for example, had climbed to a 29-month high at year-end.

CBOT-SOYBEANS - January down 9-1/4 cents at $13.61 per bushel. Funds sold an estimated net 6,000 contracts.

CBOT-SOYOIL - January down 0.76 cent at $56.33 cents per lb. Funds sold an estimated net 3,000 contracts.

FCPO-KUALA LUMPUR, Jan 4 (Reuters) - Malaysian crude palm oil hit a fresh 33-month high on Tuesday as part of a weather-driven rally in global vegetable oil markets.

Heavier-than-usual rains stalled harvesting in top producers Indonesia and Malaysia, and dry weather slowed soy plantings in South America, raising concern over tight supplies.

Prospects of shrinking supplies come as top Asian buyers such as China need to build inventories for Lunar New Year holidays in early February, which run for about 10 days.

The benchmark March 2011 crude palm oil contract on Bursa Malaysia Derivatives rose 0.9 percent to 3,888 ringgit ($1,268.722) per tonne, after earlier going as high as 3,905 ringgit -- a level unseen since March 10, 2008.

REGIONAL EQUITIES-BANGKOK, Jan 4 (Reuters) - Southeast Asian stock markets rose in strong volume on Tuesday as higher oil prices boosted demand for energy and other commodity-related stocks, with optimism about the U.S. recovery and Asian growth raising risk appetite.

Malaysian shares <.KLSE> hit a record intra-day high on their second trading session of the year while stocks in Singapore <.FTSTI>, Thailand <.SETI> and the Philippines <.PSI> approached eight-week highs.

The region attracted more foreign inflows as investors kept looking for higher-yieldings assets. Manila gained $129 million in inflows on Tuesday, a three-week high, Thomson Reuters data showed.

Singapore's Straits Times Index was up 0.6 percent on the day, Thailand's SET index rose 1.2 percent by 0910 GMT and the main Philippine share index inched up 0.08 percent.

Malaysian crude palm oil hit a 33-month high on Monday and that pushed up palm plantation stocks, led by a 5.7 percent surge in Malaysia's Sime Darby and a 3.8 percent gain in IOI Corp .

Singaporean palm oil firm Noble Group gained 2.3 percent and Olam International rose 1.9 percent.

Trader's Highlight

DJI-NEW YORK, Jan 3 (Reuters) - Wall Street stocks surged more than 1 percent as the new trading year kicked off on Monday and the rally of late 2010 resumed on encouraging signs about the economic outlook and a seasonal effect.

Stocks got a boost from the "January effect" when fund managers are no longer engaged in year-end window dressing and instead focus on stocks they find attractive.

The Nasdaq 100 <.NDX> hit a 10-year high, driven largely by gains in Apple Inc , which hit an all-time high at $330.20 and is up 56 percent since the end of 2009. The Nasdaq 100's level is still half of the all-time high of 2000.

The Dow Jones industrial average <.DJI> was up 121.81 points, or 1.05 percent, at 11,699.32. The Standard & Poor's 500 Index <.SPX> was up 16.78 points, or 1.33 percent, at 1,274.42, hitting fresh two-year highs. The Nasdaq Composite Index <.IXIC> was up 42.29 points, or 1.59 percent, at 2,695.16.

NYMEX-NEW YORK, Jan 3 (Reuters) - U.S. crude oil futures ended at a 27-month high on Monday, the first trading session of the year, as positive U.S. and European economic data and forecasts for colder weather spurred hopes for greater demand for oil.

U.S. economic reports showed manufacturing grew at its fastest pace in seven months in December and construction spending hit a five-month peak in November

On the New York Mercantile Exchange, crude for February delivery settled up 17cents at $91.55 a barrel, the highest close since Oct. 3, 2008, when front-month U.S. crude ended at $93.88.

CBOT-CHICAGO, Jan 3 (Reuters) - Wheat futures on the Chicago Board of Trade closed higher on Monday, as heavy rain in Australia further threatened its wheat crop and disrupted grain movement.

In addition, a lack of snow cover in the southern U.S. Plains has made frigid temperatures more worrisome for wheat. Signs of strong export demand also underpinned prices.

CBOT-SOYBEANS - January down 23-1/2 cents at $13.70-1/4 per bushel. Funds sold an estimated net 6,000 contracts.

CBOT-SOYOIL - January down 0.65 cent at 57.09 cents per lb. Following soy lower.

FCPO-KUALA LUMPUR, Jan 3 (Reuters) - Malaysian crude palm oil hit a new 33-month high on Monday as robust demand chases tightening supplies and investors continue to place bets on commodities after a strong performance last year.

Palm oil prices, which rose 42.2 percent in 2010, are underpinned by heavy rains lashing oil palm estates in Malaysia and Indonesia and dry weather in soyoil-producing Argentina.

Traders said demand for palm oil will lift prices as China stocks up for the Lunar New year holidays in early February and other Asian countries need to top up their inventories.

The benchmark March 2011 crude palm oil contract on Bursa Malaysia Derivatives rose almost 2 percent to 3,861 ringgit ($1,249) per tonne, a level unseen since March 2008, before settled at 3,852 ringgit ($1,249.230).

Overall traded volumes almost doubled at 14,768 lots of 25 tonnes each, compared with the usual 15,000 lots after the long-weekend.

REGIONAL EQUITIES-COLOMBO, Jan 3 (Reuters) - All southeast Asian stock markets gained on Monday, the first trading day of 2011, with Malaysia hitting a record high and Singapore rising to a near eight-week high after posting strong economic growth data for 2010.

Malaysia <.KLSE> gained 1 percent to an all-time high close of 1,533.42 points, surpassing its previous record high hit on Nov. 10. The trading share volume in Kuala Lumpur was more than its 90-day average volume.

Singapore <.FTSTI> outperformed regional markets with 1.4 percent gain, its highest percentage and points rise since Nov. 1, after its government posted Asia's fastest economic growth of 14.7 percent for 2010.

In Singapore, top lender DBS Group rose 1.3 percent, while United Overseas Bank added 2 percent on the day.

Oversea-Chinese Banking Corp gained 1.4 percent after it said the merger of its two licensed bank subsidiaries in Indonesia -- Bank OCBC Indonesia and Bank OCBC NISP -- had taken effect from Jan. 1.

Trader's Highlight

DJI-NEW YORK, Dec 31 (Reuters) - U.S. stocks were little changed on Friday, the final day of the year, as investors were reluctant to make big bets after a rally that put the S&P on track for its best December performance in nearly two decades.

The benchmark index has gained 6.6 percent so far this month, closing Wednesday at its highest level since Sept. 8, 2008, and has risen in 17 of the last 21 sessions. The index is on course for its biggest December gain since 1991, when it rose 11.2 percent.

The Dow Jones industrial average <.DJI> was up 9.46 points, or 0.08 percent, at 11,579.17. The Standard & Poor's 500 Index <.SPX> was down 0.28 points, or 0.02 percent, at 1,257.60. The Nasdaq Composite Index <.IXIC> was down 10.94 points, or 0.41 percent, at 2,652.04.

NYMEX-HOUSTON, Dec 31 (Reuters) - U.S. crude oil futures prices settled higher on Friday and ended the year up 15.14 percent after jumping to a 26-month peak intraday on expectations an improving global economic recovery will fuel demand growth again in 2011.

The dollar's weakness on Friday also was supportive traders said, along with technical strength as crude prices found support just above $89 intraday before bouncing higher and briefly moving above $92 a barrel.

On the New York Mercantile Exchange on Friday, February crude rose $1.54, or 1.71 percent, to settle at $91.38 a barrel, trading from $89.05 to $92.06, highest front-month price since the $93.02 intraday peak hit on Oct. 7, 2008.

CBOT-CHICAGO, Dec 31 (Reuters) - Grain futures on the Chicago Board of Trade were higher on Friday, with the January soybean contract up sharply on concerns about dry weather conditions in Argentina.

U.S. dollar weakness supported prices across the board, as did expectations of commodity fund buying at year-end.

For the year, the dollar is up about 1.5 percent against a basket of major currencies <.DXY>, though it was half a percent lower on Friday.

CBOT-SOYBEANS - January up 20-1/4 cents at $13.86-1/4 per bushel. South Korea issued a tender to buy 25,000 tonnes of nongenetic modified yellow soybeans for arrival by March 31 - Agro-Fisheries Trade Corp.

CBOT-SOYOIL - January up 0.10 cent at $56.48 cents per lb. Soyoil deliveries heavy at 8,610 lots; most estimates were for 3,000-5,000.

FCPO-KUALA LUMPUR, Dec 30 (Reuters) - Malaysian crude palm oil futures rose on Thursday as traders took positions ahead of the long weekend, while they posted their lowest annual gains in two years.

Palm oil, which has climbed 42.2 percent this year, was underpinned by concerns of heavy rains curbing supply in Malaysia and Indonesia as well as dry weather sapping soybean yields in South America.

Traders said the earlier correction in palm oil during the day could set the stage for another rally if the weather issues persist.

The benchmark March 2011 crude palm oil contract on Bursa Malaysia Derivatives rose as much as 1.6 percent to 3,792 Malaysian ringgit ($1,227) per tonne, revisiting a 33-month high, before settling at 3,788 ringgit.

Overall traded volumes stood at14,510 lots of 25 tonnes each, compared to the usual 15,000 lots, ahead of Malaysian financial markets closing for a public holiday on Friday (Dec 31).

REGIONAL EQUITIES-BANGKOK, Dec 30 (Reuters) - Most Southeast Asian bourses ended higher on Thursday, the final session of 2010 in much of the region, with Indonesia poised to show the biggest gain in a year marked by foreign inflows and domestic economic resilience.

The Jakarta Composite Index <.JKSE> inched up 0.12 percent after an early climb to three-week highs. Singapore's Straits Times Index <.FTSTI> gained 0.14 percent, with the Philippines <.PSI> and Vietnam <.VNI> also eking out small gains.

However, stock indexes in Malaysia <.KLSE> and Thailand <.SETI> erased early gains, finishing down 0.36 percent and 0.29 percent respectively.

Trader's Highlight

DJI-NEW YORK, Dec 29 (Reuters) - The S&P 500 headed for its best December in nearly two decades as U.S. stocks advanced in thin trade on Wednesday, lifted by investor optimism about the economy in 2011.

The S&P has gained 6.8 percent so far this month and rose in 17 of the last 20 sessions. However, with volume among the lowest of the year because of the holidays and scarce economic news, some investors are waiting for January to see if the rising pattern holds.

The Dow Jones industrial average <.DJI> was up 10.52 points, or 0.09 percent, at 11,586.06. The Standard & Poor's 500 Index <.SPX> was up 1.34 points, or 0.11 percent, at 1,259.85. The Nasdaq Composite Index <.IXIC> was up 4.05 points, or 0.15 percent, at 2,666.93.

NYMEX-HOUSTON, Dec 29 (Reuters) - U.S. crude oil futures prices settled lower on Wednesday in thin trading volume, pressured by profit taking as investors awaited weekly oil inventory reports and staying close to the 26-month high reached earlier this week.

Analysts expected a drawdown in crude oil inventories for the fourth consecutive period last week as refiners reduced imports for year-end tax considerations. On the

New York Mercantile Exchange, February crude fell 37 cents, or 0.4 percent, to settle at $91.12 a barrel, trading from $90.80 to $91.53. Crude prices reached $91.88 intraday on Monday, their highest since October 2008.

CBOT-CHICAGO, Dec 29 (Reuters) - Chicago Board of Trade grain and soy complex closing trends on Wednesday,

CBOT-SOYBEANS - January down 9-3/4 at $13.66 per bushel. Prices fall on profit-taking setback following rally to highest level since September 2008. Weak crude oil market adds pressure.

CBOT-SOYMEAL - January down $2.90 at $365.70 per ton. Following soybeans.

FCPO-KUALA LUMPUR, Dec 29 (Reuters) - Malaysian palm oil futures snapped a seven-day winning streak on Wednesday, as traders booked profits although concerns over weak global vegetable oil production persisted.

Palm oil, which hit a 33-month high the day before, continued to draw support from heavy rains disrupting some harvesting in Malaysia and Indonesia.

The market, up 40.2 percent so far this year, has also been boosted by La Nina-driven hot weather potentially curbing soy production.

The benchmark March 2011 crude palm oil contract on Bursa Malaysia Derivatives settled 1.2 percent lower to 3,733 Malaysian ringgit ($1,206). The previous day, the contract hit the highest since March 14, 2008. Overall traded volumes stood at 11,599 lots of 25 tonnes each, compared to the usual 15,000 lots.

REGIONAL EQUITIES-BANGKOK, Dec 29 (Reuters) - Southeast Asian stock markets rose on Wednesday, with demand from local institutions shoring up Thai energy and big-caps and optimism over the economic outlook bolstering sentiment in the rest of the region.

Singapore's Straits Times Index <.FTSTI> rose for a fourth session, adding 0.8 percent to two-week highs, but trade remained thin in the final week of the year, as elsewhere.

Malaysia's index <.KLSE> added 0.5 percent, hitting a seven-week peak, and the Philippine index <.PSI> climbed 0.9 percent to its highest in three weeks as the central bank left its policy rate at a record low.

Malaysia's top lender, Malayan Banking , rose 0.7 percent, while PT Bank Negara Indonesia , Indonesia's fourth biggest lender, climbed 4.1 percent and PT Astra International , its biggest firm, rose 1 percent.

Trader's Highlight

DJI-NEW YORK, Dec 28 (Reuters) - Global stocks edged higher on Tuesday on expectations the U.S. economy is on track for recovery while oil prices edged close to a 26-month high as winter weather drove demand.

The dollar hit a record low against the Swiss franc and tumbled against the yen after Japan reported its factory output rose in November for the first time in six months.

U.S. Treasury prices fell after a weak $35 billion auction of five-year notes and ahead of an auction of seven-year notes on Wednesday.

Trading volumes in all markets were light due to the post-Christmas holiday and as the northeastern United States dug out from a blizzard that disrupted travel.

The Dow Jones industrial average <.DJI> closed up 20.51 points, or 0.18 percent, at 11,575.54. The Standard & Poor's 500 Index <.SPX> was up 0.98 points, or 0.08 percent, at 1,258.52. The Nasdaq Composite Index <.IXIC> was down 4.39 points, or 0.16 percent, at 2,662.88.

NYMEX-HOUSTON, Dec 28 (Reuters) - U.S. crude oil futures prices ended higher on Tuesday after a choppy trading session, supported by expectations that crude oil stockpiles fell last week and shrugging off a stronger dollar.

Analysts were encouraged by another settlement above $90 a barrel even though crude was unable move above the intraday 26-month peak reached during Monday's session.

On the New York Mercantile Exchange, February crude rose 49 cents, or 0.54 percent, to settle at $91.49 a barrel, trading from $90.75 to $91.67.

CBOT-CHICAGO, Dec 28 (Reuters) - Chicago Board of Trade grain and soy complex closing trends on Tuesday.

CBOT-SOYBEANS - January up 2-3/4 cents at $13.75-3/4 per bushel. Heat and dry weather in Argentina supported soybean prices, with temperatures through Wednesday reaching 93-102 degrees Fahrenheit (34-39 C, well above normal) in Cordoba, Santa Fe and northwestern Buenos Aires - Telvent DTN.

CBOT-SOYOIL - January down 0.33 cent at 56.82 cents per lb. Market weighed down by soymeal/soyoil spreading.

FCPO-KUALA LUMPUR, Dec 28 (Reuters) - Malaysian crude palm oil futures rose to fresh 33-month highs on Tuesday, driven by prospects of erratic weather sapping vegetable oil supplies at a time when demand remains resilient.

Heavy rains due to the monsoon season normally hamper the harvesting of palm fruits and make transportation to refineries difficult in the world's leading palm oil producers, Malaysia and Indonesia.

Dry weather in soy-producing Argentina has slowed plantings and could prevent soy crops from developing normally.

The benchmark March 2011 crude palm oil contract rose 0.6 percent to 3,778 ringgit ($1,220.679) per tonne after hitting an intraday high of 3,792 ringgit -- a level unseen since March 2008.

Overall traded volumes were 10,730 lots of 25 tonnes each, slightly above the usual 10,000 lots.

REGIONAL EQUITIES-BANGKOK, Dec 28 (Reuters) - Most Southeast Asian stock markets rose in holiday-thinned trade on Tuesday, with Indonesia climbing to two-week highs amid rising appetite for commodity stocks, seen as an inflation hedge.

Trading volume was less than half of average in Indonesia and Thailand as many investors were reluctant to take new positions ahead of the long New Year holiday.

Singapore's Straits Times Index <.FTSTI> gained 0.8 percent to a two-week high of 3,183.70. Singapore-based Najeeb Jarhom, head of research at AmFraser Securities, forecast a 2011 range of 2,900-3,000 to 3,500-3,600.

Malaysia's Kuala Lumpur Composite Index <.KLSE> rose 0.4 percent, erasing part of an early gain to seven-week highs, and Vietnam's main stock index <.VNI> rose 1.3 percent.

Asian markets in general were flat, with shares in Japan and China easing as concern that further Chinese monetary tightening would cool the engine of world economic growth overshadowed Japanese data that pointed to improving demand.

Trader's Highlight

DJI-NEW YORK, Dec 27 (Reuters) - Wall Street erased earlier losses and ended little changed on Monday as investors shrugged off a surprise weekend interest rate hike from China's central bank.

In a quiet day for equities with no major economic data or corporate news, trading volume, which usually dips during the holiday season, was even lighter as a blizzard moved across the northeastern United States.

Financial stocks rose, in part boosted by a rally in American International Group shares, and helped the S&P 500 cut losses and turn positive in afternoon trade.

The Dow Jones industrial average <.DJI> settled down 20.73 points, or 0.18 percent, at 11,552.76. The Standard & Poor's 500 Index <.SPX> was up 0.74 points, or 0.06 percent, at 1,257.51. The Nasdaq Composite Index <.IXIC> was up 4.25 points, or 0.16 percent, at 2,669.85.

NYMEX-NEW YORK, Dec 27 (Reuters) - U.S. crude oil futures ended lower on Monday, slipping from a 26-month high hit last week, after China raised interest rates at the weekend.

On the New York Mercantile Exchange, February crude fell 51 cents, or 0.56 percent, to settle at $91.00 a barrel.

Trading was razor thin due to a snowstorm that pummeled the northeastern United States and delayed the start of floor trading on the New York Mercantile Exchange.

CBOT-CHICAGO, Dec 27 (Reuters) - Chicago Board of Trade grain and soy complex closing trends on Monday.

CBOT-SOYBEANS - January up 23-1/2 cents at $13.73 per bushel Front-month January rose to $13.78-1/4, highest spot price in 27-1/2 months, on concerns about hot and dry weather forecast in Argentina, and chart-based buying.

CBOT-SOYOIL - January up 0.56 cent at 57.15 cents per lb. Following soybeans. Strong profit margins at crushers also supportive amid strong global demand for vegoils.

FCPO-KUALA LUMPUR, Dec 27 (Reuters) - Malaysian crude palm oil futures <0#KPO:> hit 33-month highs on Monday as hopes of strong China demand and erratic weather helped shrug off Beijing's surprise interest rate hike.

China soyoil <0#DBY:> recovered some losses, after dropping earlier in the day, on expectations that the government would restock food staples next year and prospects of stronger demand ahead of the Lunar New Year.

Traders said the main driver for palm oil futures include heavy rains hurting yields and disrupting harvesting in Malaysia and Indonesia as well as a dry spell potentially cutting into South American soybean production.

Benchmark March 2011 palm oil on the Bursa Malaysia Derivatives Exchange rose as much as 2.8 percent to 3,767 ringgit ($1,217) per tonne, the highest since March 14, 2008 and confirming an earlier Reuters technical analysis. The contract settled at 3,756 ringgit. Traded volume almost doubled at 18,543 lots of 25 tonnes each.

REGIONAL EQUITIES-BANGKOK, Dec 27 (Reuters) - Singapore shares climbed to two-week highs on Monday and other Southeast Asian stock markets mostly posted small gains, with a surprise interest rate rise in China doing little to dampen optimism about economic growth.

Investors bought commodity shares, especially palm plantation firms, and that outweighed weaker demand for other sectors in holiday-thinned trade.

Singapore's Straits Times Index <.FTSTI> ended up 0.5 percent, Indonesia's main index <.JKSE> gained 0.4 percent and Vietnam's Ho Chi Minh Stock Exchange index <.VNI> closed up 0.06 percent, while Malaysia's Kuala Lumpur composite index <.KLSE> was flat.

Trader's Highlight

FCPO-KUALA LUMPUR, Dec 24 (Reuters) - Malaysian palm oil rose for a fifth day on Friday as traders bet the weak output trend may extend to the first quarter of 2010 just as China restocks agri-commodities and prepares for Lunar New Year holidays.

Heavy rains in palm oil-producing Southeast Asia and a dry spell in soy-exporting South America have boosted vegetable oil markets in recent weeks.

Crude oil going above $90 a barrel could see palm oil and soyoil extend gains, traders say.

Benchmark March 2011 crude palm oil futures on the Bursa Malaysia Derivatives ended up 0.2 percent to 3,665 ringgit ($1,175.621).

Traded volumes stood at 11,642 lots of 25 tonnes each compared to the usual 10,000 lots.

Breaking News-RTRS - INDONESIA CONFIRMS JANUARY PALM OIL EXPORT TAX AT 20 PCT, COCOA BEANS AT 10 PCT-TRADE MINISTRY

JAKARTA, Dec 23 (Reuters) - Indonesia will set the export tax for crude palm oil in January at 20 percent versus 15 percent in December, a trade ministry official said on Thursday, confirming earlier reports by industry sources.
The government will also set the palm oil base export price at $1,112 per tonne, said Deddy Saleh, acting director general of international trade at the ministry.
The export tax for cocoa beans in January will be unchanged at 10 percent, with base export price set at $2,593 per tonne, he said.

Trader's Highlight

DJI-NEW YORK, Dec 23 (Reuters) - Wall Street will see the year-end rally carry into the last week of 2010 but the question on everyone's mind is, "what's next?"

The Dow, the S&P and the Nasdaq on Thursday were up more than 5 percent on the month and the level of optimism in the market was at a six-year high. The CBOE Volatility Index VIX <.VIX>, known as Wall Street's fear gauge, was down by two-thirds from this year's peak in May.

CBOT-CHICAGO, Dec 23 (Reuters) - Chicago Board of Trade soybean futures rose to a 27-month high, their highest since September 2008 on Thursday as hot Argentine weather threatened crops and the United States posted strong crushing numbers, traders said.

CBOT-SOYBEANS - January up 20-3/4 cents at $13.49-1/2 per bushel. Funds bought an estimated net 5,000 contracts.

CBOT-SOYOIL - January up 0.62 cent at 56.59 cents per lb.

FCPO-KUALA LUMPUR, Dec 23 (Reuters) - Malaysian crude palm oil futures ended off one-week highs on Thursday, as China unveiled plans to restock agriculture commodities at a time when erratic weather globally may curb supplies.

U.S. soyoil for January delivery hit a 28-month high during Asian trade, as prospects of growing China demand extended gains in a market already rising on higher biofuel mandates in South America.

Benchmark March 2011 crude palm oil futures on the Bursa Malaysia Derivatives ended up 1.1 percent at 3,658 ringgit after going as high as 3,676 ringgit ($1,170), a level unseen since Dec. 15. Traded volumes stood at 17,660 lots of 25 tonnes each compared to the usual 10,000 lots.

REGIONAl EQUITIES-BANGKOK, Dec 23 (Reuters) - Most Southeast Asian stock markets fell in thin volume on Thursday, coming off their day highs as financials shares pulled back from a recent rally.

Commodities shares bucked the trend, however, gaining on positive spillover from higher oil prices. Malaysia's share index <.KLSE> edged down 0.04 percent, coming off an intraday rise to a two-week high. Singapore's Straits Times Index <.FTSTI> dipped to 0.21 percent while Vietnam <.VNI> dropped 1.3 percent.

Trader's Highlight

DJI-NEW YORK, Dec 22 (Reuters) - The S&P 500 rose on Wednesday to its highest level since the collapse of Lehman Brothers, led by bank stocks that have leapfrogged other sectors in December.

The banks -- epicenter of the credit crisis two years ago -- led indexes higher as a December run helped keep the market's year-end rally afloat. The KBW Bank Index <.BKX> rose 1.9 percent, led by regional institutions.

The Dow Jones industrial average <.DJI> added 26.33 points, or 0.23 percent, to 11,559.49. The Standard & Poor's 500 Index <.SPX> gained 4.24 points, or 0.34 percent, to 1,258.84. The Nasdaq Composite Index <.IXIC> edged up 3.87 points, or 0.15 percent, at 2,671.48.

NYMEX-NEW YORK, Dec 22 (Reuters) - U.S. crude oil futures prices rose a fourth consecutive session on Wednesday on lift from a third straight weekly drop in crude oil inventories reported by the government and cold weather on both sides of the Atlantic.

U.S. crude oil inventories fell 5.33 million barrels in the week to Dec. 17, a third straight weekly decline, the U.S. Energy Information Administration said on Wednesday.

On the New York Mercantile Exchange, February crude rose 66 cents, or 0.73 percent, to settle at $90.48 a barrel, the highest settlement since Oct. 3, 2008, when front-month crude closed at $93.88.

CBOT-CHICAGO, Dec 22 (Reuters) - Dry weather in Argentina that is threatening the corn crop there during its key pollination phase pushed Chicago Board of Trade corn futures to their highest level since July 2008 on Wednesday.

Soybean futures also rose, hitting a 5-1/2-week top, due to the strength in corn, dryness in Argentina as well as a strike at Argentine crushing plants that may slow shipments from the world's largest soyoil exporter, traders said.

CBOT-SOYBEANS - January up 2-1/2 cents at $13.28-3/4 per bushel Funds bought an estimated net 3,000 contracts.

CBOT-SOYOIL - January up 0.41 cent at 55.97 cents per lb. Funds bought an estimated net 5,000 contracts.

FCPO-KUALA LUMPUR, Dec 22 (Reuters) - Malaysian crude palm oil futures hit a one-week high on Wednesday as traders priced in heavy rains cutting into this month's output.

Palm oil has gained for three straight sessions as investors favoured commodity assets as a hedge against rising inflation in China and India, which has also helped weather-driven rallies in soybeans and corn.

Benchmark March 2011 crude palm oil futures on the Bursa Malaysia Derivatives rose as much as 2.1 percent to 3,635 Malaysian ringgit ($1,159), a level unseen since Dec. 15. The contract later settled at 3,621 ringgit. Traded volumes stood at 17,475 lots of 25 tonnes each compared to the usual 10,000 lots.

REGIONAL EQUITIES-BANGKOK, Dec 22 (Reuters) - Most Southeast Asian stock markets posted small gains on Wednesday, with Malaysia and the Philippines climbing to one-week highs, as investors piled into commodities and energy shares amid higher oil prices.

Trading volume for most share markets fell more than half their 90-day average ahead of the year-end holiday season.

Malaysia's main share index <.KLSE> ended up 0.7 percent, extending its gain for a second session, while the Philippines share index <.PSI> rose for a fourth session, adding 0.5 percent.

The equities indexes of Singapore <.FTSTI> and Thailand <.SETI> gained for a second session, adding 0.14 percent and 0.6 percent, respectively. Vietnam <.VNI> was almost unchanged.

Among the gainers, Thailand's top refiner Thai Oil Pcl rose 1.7 percent, Singapore commodities firm Noble Group gained 1.9 percent, Malaysia's palm plantation firm Kuala Lumpur Kepong climbed 2.8 percent.

Breaking News-RTRS - ARGENTINE 2011 SOYBEAN CROP COULD FALL TO 43 TO 48 MLN T AGAINST 54.4 MLN T IN 2010 - OIL WORLD

HAMBURG, Dec 21 (Reuters) - Argentina's soybean crop in early 2011 could fall as low as 43 to 48 million tonnes because of dry weather, down from 54.4 million tonnes in early 2010, Hamburg-based oilseeds analysts Oil World said on Tuesday.
Oil World said it had tentatively cut its forecast of the Argentine soybean crop in early 2011 to 47.0 million tonnes. But it warned the estimate was subject to revision and depended on weather in coming weeks.

Trader's Highlight

DJI-NEW YORK, Dec 21 (Reuters) - U.S. stocks rose on Tuesday as solid earnings and a flurry of merger activity underpinned a steady upward trend that reinforced investor optimism for the coming year.

The S&P 500's close is on the cusp of closing levels not seen since before Lehman Brothers collapsed in September 2008, an important psychological barrier for investors at 1,255.08 points.

The Dow Jones industrial average <.DJI> added 55.03 points, or 0.48 percent, to 11,533.16. The Standard & Poor's 500 Index <.SPX> gained 7.52 points, or 0.60 percent, to 1,254.60. The Nasdaq Composite Index <.IXIC> rose 18.05 points, or 0.68 percent, to 2,667.61.

NYMEX-NEW YORK, Dec 21 (Reuters) - U.S. crude oil futures ended higher for the third straight session on Tuesday in thin, pre-holiday trading volume, driven by rising expectations for economic growth and greater demand for gasoline and heating oil.

Front-month January gasoline hit a session high of $2.4013 per gallon, the highest intraday price since May 4, when front-month RBOB hit $2.4315 a gallon, still supported by expectations of higher holiday driving demand.

On the New York Mercantile Exchange, February crude , the new front month, settled 45 cents higher, or 0.5 percent, at $89.82 a barrel. It hit a session high of $89.97, the highest since the Dec. 7 two-year high of $90.76 struck by January crude , which expired on Monday at $88.81.

CBOT-CHICAGO, Dec 21 (Reuters) - Chicago Board of Trade grain and soy complex closing trends on Tuesday.

CBOT-SOYBEANS - January up 11 cents at $13.26-1/4 per bushel; new-crop November up 7-1/4 at $12.49-3/4. Spot contract set a 5-1/2-week high at $13.28 during trading session on continued worries about Argentine crop prospects, firm crude oil.

CBOT-SOYOIL - January up 0.58 cent at 55.56 cents per lb. Rises along with gains in crude oil market.

FCPO-KUALA LUMPUR, Dec 21 (Reuters) - Malaysian crude palm oil futures rose 1.2 percent on Tuesday as traders grew more concerned over heavy rains curbing production in the world's second largest producer of the vegetable oil.

The market expected December production to fall by 10 percent to 1.31 million tonnes, the lowest in ten months as rains hit key oil palm growing areas in mainland Malaysia and Borneo island states of Sabah and Sarawak.

Benchmark March 2011 crude palm oil futures on the Bursa Malaysia Derivatives settled up 43 ringgit at 3,561 Malaysian ringgit ($1,132). Traded volumes stood at 15,119 lots of 25 tonnes each from the usual 10,000 lots.

Palm oil at its highest level today is just 10.6 percent away from 4,000 ringgit level and further erratic weather may boost agricultural commodities.

REGIONAL EQUITIES-BANGKOK, Dec 21 (Reuters) - Southeast Asian stock markets rose on Tuesday as investors sought bargains from recently-beaten shares with promising outlooks, including Thai refiners and financial stocks across the region.

Trading remained lacklustre, with volume falling by half in most share markets in a dearth of market participants towards the year-end.

Indonesia <.JKSE> climbed nearly 2 percent, reversing Monday's loss, while Singapore <.FTSTI>, Malaysia <.KLSE>, Thailand <.SETI>, the Philippines <.PSI>, and Vietnam <.VNI> posted smaller gains.

Trader's Highlight

DJI-NEW YORK, Dec 17 (Reuters) - The S&P clung to a two-year high on Friday as investors predicted a pause as volumes are expected to dry up in the days ahead, and after a 5 percent gain already so far in December.

The last two weeks of the year are traditionally quiet, and therefore market moves are less meaningful to the overall trend, which took the S&P 500 to a two-year high early this week.

The Dow Jones industrial average <.DJI> dropped 7.34 points, or 0.06 percent, to 11,491.91. The Standard & Poor's 500 Index <.SPX> gained 1.03 points, or 0.08 percent, to 1,243.90. The Nasdaq Composite Index <.IXIC> rose 5.66 points, or 0.21 percent, to 2,642.97.

NYMEX-NEW YORK, Dec 17 (Reuters) - U.S. crude oil futures ended the week higher on Friday on economic optimism after two closely watched indicators showed that the recovery was gathering steam, outweighing concerns about euro zone fiscal troubles.

Passage in the U.S. Congress of a tax cut bill late Thursday was supportive for the energy markets as it would put more money into consumers' pockets and that was seen boding well for oil demand, analysts and traders said.

On the New York Mercantile Exchange, January crude settled up 32 cents, or 0.36 percent, at $88.02 a barrel, trading from $87.01 to $88.52.

CBOT- Chicago, Dec 17 (Reuters) - Chicago Board of Trade grain and soy closing trends on Friday.

CBOT-SOYBEANS - January up 9-3/4 cents at $12.98-3/4 per bushel; new-crop November up 16-3/4 at $12.29-3/4.

CBOT-SOYOIL - January up 0.06 cent at 54.13 cents per lb.

FCPO-KUALA LUMPUR, Dec 17 (Reuters) - Malaysian crude palm oil futures dropped to a two-week low on Friday as market players squared positions on worries over weak overseas demand ahead of export data early next week.

Benchmark March 2011 crude palm oil futures on the Bursa Malaysia Derivatives fell 2.2 percent to 3,503 ringgit ($1,143.631) a tonne after going as low as 3,471 ringgit -- a level unseen since December 1.

REGIONAL EQUITIES- COLOMBO, Dec 17 (Reuters) - Most Southeast Asian stock markets edged up on Friday in thin volume, helped by better economic news from the United States, but concerns about the global economy still left most of the indexes down on the week.

Indonesia <.JKSE>, the region's best performer with a 41.3 percent rise this year, lost 4.4 percent this week. Vietnam <.VNI>, the region's worst performer in 2010, outperformed on the week with a 2.6 percent gain.

However, on Friday the mood brightened after an unexpected rise in factory activity in the U.S. mid-Atlantic region, a dip in jobless claims for the second week plus a rise in housing starts.

On Friday, Jakarta gained 0.3 percent, the Philippines <.PSI> closed 0.4 percent firmer and Malaysia <.KLSE> rose 0.2 percent. Vietnam jumped 1.1 percent and Singapore <.FTSTI> 0.2 percent.