Palm oil prices, swayed by global edible oils, rose with the benchmark contract up 1.26% to 4,504 ringgit per metric ton. Dalian's soyoil saw a 2.15% lift, showing a ripple effect across markets, while the Chicago Board of Trade remained calm amid New Year celebrations. Indonesia lowered its crude palm oil reference price, likely to stay competitive. Despite Malaysia's December palm oil exports dropping, a weaker ringgit was a silver lining, making exports cheaper for foreign currency holders.

Palm oil's fortunes are tightly interwoven with global edible oil trends, evidenced by soyoil's influence from Dalian to Malaysia. As oil prices ticked up with hopes pinned on China's economic resurgence, investors are keenly watching how these shifts might tip the scales in different markets. The ringgit's depreciation only adds to Malaysia's competitive pricing, possibly setting the stage for future gains despite recent export declines.

The bigger picture: A dance of currencies and commodities.

Against a backdrop of evolving global economies and policies, the interplay of currency shifts and commodity prices is crucial. Malaysia's reliance on palm oil exports ties closely to the ringgit's value against majors like the US dollar. As countries such as Indonesia adjust pricing strategies, global oil trends and local currency dynamics could significantly impact international trade flows and economic strategies moving into 2025.