August 23, 2003	Saturday	Jumadi-us-Sani 24, 1424

KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 22: Malaysia’s crude palm oil futures were softer in late trade on Friday, unable to find more support from the weather-driven Chicago soy market, but pre-weekend covering helped cushion the falls, traders said.

At the close the new benchmark third-month November was four ringgit lower at 1,316 ringgit ($346.32) a ton after trading as low as 1,303 ringgit.

Overall volume was moderate at 3,193 lots.

The August contract for central was offered at 1,400 ringgit against bids of 1,395 ringgit. Business was reported at 1,392.50 to 1,395 ringgit a ton.

September CPO was offered at 1,400 ringgit a ton against bids of 1,390 ringgit for southern region. There were deals at 1,390 ringgit.—Reuters