Rubber Market Closes Mixed As Positive Developments Capped By Weaker Oil, Stronger Ringgit

By Engku Shariful Azni Engku Ab Latif

KUALA LUMPUR, May 7 (Bernama) -- The rubber market closed mixed on Thursday, amid gains in regional rubber futures but capped by weaker oil prices and a stronger ringgit, a dealer said. 

The dealer said Japanese rubber futures rose on Thursday, buoyed by expectations of further supply shortages amid weather-related disruptions.

She added that Thailand’s meteorological agency warned of storms from May 7-12, 2026 and cautioned farmers about crop damage and flash floods. 

She said sentiment was supported by positive developments in the natural rubber industry and the new energy vehicle sector, alongside hopes of renewed West Asia peace talks. 

“However, the upside was capped by weaker crude oil prices, a stronger ringgit against the US dollar as intensifying supply chain and economic pressures arising from the West Asia crisis weighed on the broader outlook,” she told Bernama. 

“In addition, traders are also eyeing El Nino forecasts, which are said to be the strongest in a decade,” she added. 

At 3 pm, the Standard Malaysian Rubber (SMR) 20 price rose by 9.5 sen to 880 sen per kilogramme (kg) while latex-in-bulk was down by four sen to 750 sen per kg.

-- BERNAMA