Palm extends losses on weaker rival oils, higher stockpile expectations
Malaysian palm oil futures fell for a second day as weaker soyoil in Dalian and Chicago and a stronger ringgit pressured prices. Expectations of rising November inventories and subdued exports added to the decline. Traders noted record production, softer demand and competition from accelerating US soybean shipments to China.
JAKARTA/KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysian palm oil futures fell for a second session on Thursday, pressured by weaker edible oils in Dalian and Chicago markets and expectations of rising stocks.
The benchmark palm oil contract for February delivery on the Bursa Malaysia Derivatives Exchange lost 51 ringgit, or 1.23%, to 4,102 ringgit ($996.84) a metric ton by the midday break.
“Weaker rival oilseeds pressured crude palm oil (CPO) futures prices today. Overnight Chicago soyoil dropped nearly 2%, along with ringgit strength dragged CPO prices lower today,” a Kuala Lumpur-based trader said.
Dalian’s most-active soyoil contract fell 0.46%, while its palm oil contract shed 1.12%. Soyoil prices on the Chicago Board of Trade were down 0.19%.
Palm oil tracks price movements of rival edible oils, as it competes for a share of the global vegetable oils market.
Expectation of rising stock levels amid subdued export demand also pressured the contract, said Anilkumar Bagani, commodity research head of Mumbai-based brokerage Sunvin Group.
Malaysia’s palm oil inventories likely rose to a more than six-and-a-half-year high in November, as exports slumped amid record production for the month, a Reuters survey showed.
The ringgit, palm’s currency of trade, strengthened 0.15% against the dollar, making the commodity slightly expensive for buyers holding foreign currencies.
Shipments of U.S. crops to China are accelerating after a tense tariff war had stalled trade for months, with at least six bulk cargo vessels scheduled to load with soybeans at Gulf Coast terminals through mid-December, according to a shipping schedule seen by Reuters.
Palm oil may test support at 4,121 ringgit per ton, following its failure to break resistance at 4,202 ringgit, Reuters technical analyst Wang Tao said.
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Source : Business Recorder
