November soybeans opened 19 cents higher on the day at 941 and established an early range of 932 to 949 1/4. The higher opened followed a similar rise in the overnight session. Locals were sellers on the open and prices saw a modest retreat into early mid session. However, the break came on light volume according to floor traders and prices firmed into mid session. Meal and oil were both higher to start the day. Traders said that a lack of fund selling early and a modest recovery bounce in palm oil overnight helped to support prices. Some private forecasters are calling for a reduction in the upcoming soybean crop in Brazil due to lower prices and continued high costs for energy-based inputs, as well as the high costs of transporting soybeans to ports from the interior. Harvest progress in the US may slow this week due to rains after last week's rapid progress. Basis levels are mainly steady at the Gulf this morning amid a general lack of demand.