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Malaysian rubber

KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysian rubber prices closed firmer after another slow trading day, with gains in Tokyo, further foreign interest and lower supply continuing to push up prices, dealers said.

"The market continued to see Chinese interest for Malaysian SMR 10 and SMR 20 rubber," a dealer said. Some fresh European demand is also expected as the summer holidays are coming to a close.

The current wet weather continued to affect tapping in some rubber growing areas and dealers said near-term supply is likely to slow.

September RSSI buyer closed up two cents at 329.50 cents ($1.32) a kg and September SMR 20 buyer rose four cents to 323.

The INRO five-day moving average price was 253.62 Malaysian/Singapore cents a kg on August 24 versus 250.29 on August 23. The daily indicator price was 260.65 versus 256.66.-Reuter