Rubber prices were mixed Tuesday as volumes remain light and broader issues and falls in commodity prices drive the market.
Tokyo rubber futures ended lower amid a lack of buying interest due to a fall in crude-oil prices and Japanese equities, while the Shanghai rubber contract managed to pare early lows to finish the session slightly higher.
Investors are “taking a cautious approach” ahead of an anticipated U.S. interest rate increase by the Federal Reserve this week, says a Tokyo-based trader.
Rubber prices will continue to remain under pressure on persistent worries over slowing demand from the commodity’s biggest consumers, China and India.
Asian Rubber Futures Dec 15 Change from previous close Tocom Mon RSS3 Y162.1/kg Down Y4.1 Shanghai May SCR5 CNY10,250/ton Up CNY70 Thai Jul RSS3 THB47.30/kg Down THB1.50 Sicom May RSS3 US 133.5 cents/kg Down US2.5 cents/kg Sicom May TSR20 US 114.4 cents/kg Down US1.4 cents/kg Asian Physical Rubber Grade Shipment Dec. 15 Dec. 14 RSS3 Jan/Feb 123-124 126-127 STR20 Jan/Feb 118-119 120-121 SIR20 Jan/Feb 115-116 117-118 SMR20 Jan/Feb 116-117 118-119 SVR3L Jan/Feb 118-119 120-121 USS Jan THB38.49-THB38.84/Kg THB38.59-THB38.83/Kg