Market and product

Physical rubber prices improved on Monday. The continuing torrential showers have affected arrivals of the raw material and the market firmed up further on supply concerns. According to observers, trading volumes were poor and hence, it was difficult to get the exact closing prices in certain counters.

Sheet rubber increased to Rs 227 (226) a kg amidst scattered transactions. The grade closed at Rs 226.50 (226) a kg both at Kottayam and Kochi, according to the Rubber Board.

In futures, the June series closed at Rs 227.38 (227.29), July at Rs 231.55 (232.06), August at Rs 233 (233.69), September at Rs 232.25 (232.51), October at Rs 231.50 (231.95) and November at Rs 231.50 (231.80 ) a kg for RSS 4 on the National Multi Commodity Exchange.

The key Tokyo rubber futures were firm on early trades but the gains were limited due to lack of trading incentives particularly since the Chinese markets were closed owing to a public holiday.

The June futures inched up to ¥422 (Rs 235.86) from ¥421 a kg for RSS 3 during the day session but then remained inactive during the night session on the Tokyo Commodity Exchange. RSS 3 (spot) finished marginally higher at Rs 234.91 (234.72) a kg at Bangkok.

Spot rates were (Rs/kg): RSS-4: 227 (226); RSS-5: 225 (222); ungraded: 221 (218); ISNR 20: 218 (215) and latex 60 per cent: 140 (135).