GLOBAL MARKETS-Shares recover on earnings; focus shifts to Fed
TOKYO, April 25 (Reuters) - Asian shares rose on Wednesday as firm U.S. corporate earnings, signs of an improving U.S. housing market, and healthy demand for euro zone sovereign debt stoked risk appetite, while focus shifted to the Federal Reserve's meeting.
"The latest round of housing data releases seems to support our view that further easing is not needed. In the short term, equities could struggle if QE3 appears off the table," Barclays Capital analysts said in a research note.
COMMODITIES-Soy near 4-year highs; copper jumps
NEW YORK, April 24 (Reuters) - U.S. soybean prices settled up near four-year highs on Tuesday on strong exports and concern about rival crops in South America, while upbeat home sales in the United States boosted prices of copper which relies on construction.
"The strong demand base for soybeans is leading the charge higher," said Brian Hoops, analyst for Midwest Market Solutions.
OIL-Brent slips, narrows spread vs stronger US oil
NEW YORK, April 24 (Reuters) - Brent crude prices fell and U.S. crude edged up o n T uesday, narrowing the spread between the two benchmarks, while weak gasoline futures weighed on the complex as market participants rotated positions ahead of weekly inventory reports.
"(A)n expected upswing in imports during the coming weeks, soft Gulf coast and Midwest cash markets and possible sale of Sunoco's Philadelphia refinery all tilt in favor of renewed gasoline futures weakness," Jim Ritterbusch, president at Ritterbusch & Associates, said in a report.
NATURAL GAS-US natgas futures end down, first loss in 3 sessions
NEW YORK, April 24 (Reuters) - U.S. natural gas futures ended lower on Tuesday for the first time in three sessions as mild extended forecasts and record-high supplies pressured prices despite cooler weather this week and some technical buying after last week's 10-year low.
"The fundamentals look a little flat here from the weather side, so we're chalking up the early move (up) to technical momentum that has since sputtered out," Gelber & Associates analyst Pax Saunders said in a report.
EURO COAL-May S.African trades at $99.70/T
LONDON, April 24 (Reuters) - European prompt physical coal prices softened again on Tuesday but few trades were reported.
A May loading South African capesize cargo traded at $99.70 a tonne, falling below $100 once more, but the price reflects the discount which a very prompt cargo would have, traders said.
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