The market conditions seem to be challenging for the natural rubber (NR) industry, as demand is caught up in the prevailing disarray in global trade and investments, geopolitics and slowing economy. SEE MORE The traditional destocking of excess gasoil and jet fuel cargoes in Asia ahead of the new year could hit a roadblock as rising freight rates shut arbitrage lanes to the west of Suez, exerting downward pressure on the market, traders said Wednesday. SEE MORE Despite the global push to divest from fossil fuels, China is committed to increasing its coal capacity, with about 121.3 gigawatts (GW) of power capacity under construction, according to a report from advocacy group End Coal. SEE MORE Oil prices slipped on Tuesday in Asia despite positive comments from the U.S. and China on trade talk progress. SEE MORE Chinese consumers, grappling with the slowest economic growth since the early 1990s, are shunning gold in a sign that prices are set to extend their decline from a six-year high. SEE MORE