KOTTAYAM, JAN. 23:
Physical rubber prices showed a mixed mood on Wednesday.
The sentiments were partially bearish but major counters managed to sustain at the prevailing levels following a better closing on the National Multi Commodity Exchange (NMCE). The transactions were dull.
Meanwhile, according to market circles, rubber imports are likely to fall as a sharp drop in domestic prices during the past three months is discouraging local consumers from overseas purchases.
Sheet rubber closed steady at Rs 159 a kg, according to traders.
The grade finished flat at Rs 160 a kg at Kottayam and Kochi, as quoted by the Rubber Board.
The February series increased to Rs 159.40 (157.75), March to Rs 161.87 (160.03), April to Rs 165.05 (163.50) and May to Rs 169.00 (166.57) a kg, while the July series slipped to Rs 169.16 (169.28) and June series remained inactive on NMCE.
RSS 3 (spot) weakened to Rs 177.54 (179.44) a kg at Bangkok. The January futures dropped to ¥292.5 (Rs 177.58) from ¥295.2 a kg during the day session, but then recovered partially to ¥293.6 (Rs 178.25) a kg in the night session on the Tokyo Commodity Exchange.
Spot rates were (Rs/kg): RSS-4: 159 (159); RSS-5: 153 (154); ungraded: 147.50 (147.50); ISNR 20: 155 (156) and latex 60 per cent: 105 (105).
Source: Business Line
