Malaysian palm oil futures jump over 2% to MYR 4,820

Malaysian palm oil futures surged over 2% to around MYR 4,820 per tonne, marking their highest level since early April and rebounding from recent weakness.

Firmer edible oils on the Dalian exchange lifted sentiment, while bargain hunting added support.

Demand prospects improved as India's edible oil imports hit a 10-month high in July, with refiners replenishing palm oil and soyoil stocks ahead of the festival season.

However, gains were capped by a stronger ringgit and weaker soyoil futures in Chicago markets.

Meanwhile, elevated inventories remained a drag, with Malaysia’s July palm oil stocks climbing to a five-month high as production outpaced exports.

Simultaneously, export prospects softened, with Intertek estimating shipments fell 7.9% in August 1—15 from the same period in July.

Traders also turned cautious ahead of China’s July activity data, including retail sales and industrial output, which could provide fresh clues on demand in another key market.