Crude palm oil ended flat due to investor caution ahead of a slew of key industry data this week. Traders are uncertain whether overseas buyers will increase purchases after Malaysia set a zero percent crude palm oil export tax in January, especially as China is this month introducing stricter rules on edible oil imports. They will be watching Malaysia's export data for the first 10 days of January, due on Thursday, for more trading clues. Market participants will also focus on Malaysia's December palm oil stocks and output data on Thursday. A survey showed stocks are likely to have eased to 2.5 million tonnes from a record 2.56 million on slowing production. Malaysia's weather office issued a heavy rain advisory on Thursday, saying intermittent rain may cause floods in low-lying areas in the key palm producing state of Sarawak, possibly disrupting harvesting. Palm oil stock levels in Malaysia, the world's second-largest producer, probably reached 2.51 million metric tons in December, slightly down from November's record high, due to declining export demand. In yesterday's trading session Crude Palm oil has touched the low of 440.7 after opening at 444.1, and finally settled at 442.2. For today's session market is looking to take support at 439.9, a break below could see a test of 437.7 and where as resistance is now likely to be seen at 445.2, a move above could see prices testing 448.3.

Trading Ideas:

CPO trading range for the day is 437.67-448.27.

Crude palm oil ended flat due to investor caution ahead of a slew of key industry data this week.

A survey showed stocks are likely to have eased to 2.5 million tonnes from a record 2.56 million on slowing production.

Palm oil stock levels in Malaysia probably reached 2.51 million metric tons in December slightly down from November's record high

Crude palm oil prices in spot market gained by 0.90 rupees and settled at 435.80 rupees.