0123 GMT - Crude palm oil futures prices are higher than spot prices, with the market pricing in tighter supply and higher CPO prices in 2027, Maybank analyst Ong Chee Ting says in a note. This reflects expectations of seasonally lower 1H 2027 output, which could be further weakened by the lagged impact of El Nino, especially in Indonesia, he says. Malaysia-based planters should be safer bets as Indonesia is likely to bear the brunt of El Nino, he says. Ong retains his three-month positive view on the Southeast Asian plantations sector, although near-term price upside may be capped by competing oils trading near parity with CPO, demand rationing and potential delays to Indonesia's B50 mandate. Maybank pegs Kuala Lumpur Kepong, Sarawak Oil Palms and Genting Plantations as its top buys.