Physical rubber prices were better on Monday. The market opened steady and improved further tracking higher rates on the National Multi Commodity Exchange but failed to react in tune with its late declines on supply concerns.

Sheet rubber improved to Rs 179.00 at Kottayam and Kochi from Rs 177.00 and Rs 178.00 a kg respectively according to traders and the Rubber Board.

In futures, the November contracts weakened to Rs 177.70 (180.95), December to Rs 179.00 (181.91), January to Rs 181.31 (184.22) and February to Rs 183.75 (185.12), for RSS 4 on NMCE.

Spot rubber rates Rs/kg: RSS-4: 179.00 (177.00); RSS-5: 174.00 (173.00); Ungraded: 167.00 (166.00); ISNR 20: 163.00 (161.00) and Latex 60%: 120.00 (120.00).