LONDON—Natural rubber markets have presented a mixed picture over the five weeks to Oct. 14, with physical rubber prices posting sharp declines during the period.
All rubber futures markets monitored by European Rubber Journal reported gains during the five-week period, with the Osaka futures for March delivery seeing a 5.3-percent rise.
In Shanghai, rubber contracts for January delivery rose 3.6 percent amid reports of stronger economic performance and in anticipation of a stimulus package, which was expected to be delivered by the Chinse government Oct. 20.
Physical rubber markets, however, posted sharp declines during the period, as supply eased, and demand remained tepid.
Favorable weather, a weak gloves market and subdued demand from China continued to weigh on physical markets, leading to further declines in key Kerala natural rubber markets as well as a 10-percent fall in Kuala Lumpur latex prices.
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