Kuala lumpur: The crude palm oil (CPO) futures contract on Bursa Malaysia Derivatives closed lower today, as traders turned cautious ahead of key export and production figures due next week.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Fastmarkets Palm Oil Analytics senior analyst Dr. Sathia Varqa noted that traders are likely awaiting new market leads, particularly for export and production data from July 1 to 20. Varqa mentioned that upcoming data releases, such as cargo surveyor estimates for exports and production figures from the Malaysian Palm Oil Association, are expected to provide clearer market guidance.

He observed that the CPO market appeared stagnant today, with nearby-month contracts like August to December showing minimal movement. Varqa highlighted that the market seemed directionless following two sessions of significant fluctuations, with prices fluctuating during the session but ultimately settling in negative territory by the close.

At the close, the new spot-month August contract fell RM20 to RM4,138 per tonne, while the September 2025 contract declined RM18 to RM4,180 per tonne. The October 2025 contract eased RM14 to RM4,210 per tonne, and the November 2025 contract slipped RM16 to RM4,217 per tonne. The December 2025 contract dropped RM20 to RM4,213 per tonne, and the January 2026 contract shed RM27 to RM4,205 per tonne.

Trading volume increased to 119,798 lots from 90,890 lots on Wednesday, with open interest rising to 232,699 contracts from 231,958 contracts previously. Meanwhile, the physical CPO price for July South remained unchanged at RM4,170 per tonne.