KL Rubber Market Ends Mixed Amid Global Rubber Supply Concern

By Rosemarie Khoo Mohd Sani

KUALA LUMPUR, Jan 15 (Bernama) -- The Kuala Lumpur rubber market ended mixed today, with the SMR 20 continuing to rise, supported by the uptrend in the regional rubber futures market and a weaker ringgit against the US dollar, a dealer said. 

The Japanese rubber futures rose to an over two-and-a-half month high, aided by global supply concerns due to reports of heavy rain in key producing countries and optimism over potential Chinese stimulus. 

The dealer said market traders were also reacting to the slowing inflation in the United States (US) and gains in crude oil prices. 

Nevertheless, further gains were capped by uncertainties on US tariff policies, coupled with the brewing trade tension between the US and China. 

At 3 pm, the Malaysian Rubber Board reported that the Standard Malaysian Rubber 20 was higher by 8.5 sen per kilogramme (kg) to 892.00 sen per kg from Tuesday’s 883.50 sen per kg, while latex in bulk eased 1.5 sen per kg to 670.50 sen per kg from 672.00 sen per kg previously.

-- BERNAMA