Mixed trend in spot rubber

Spot rubber showed a mixed mood on Friday.

The undercurrent was neutral in most counters but the market indicator RSS 4 finished firm on supply concerns.

“We have not tapped the trees since last two months,” B. Rajasekharan, a planter-cum-analyst told Business Line.

“I expect the market to improve ridden by the shortage of the raw material. Imports are also likely to remain costlier in the wake of the depreciation of rupee,’’ he added.

Sheet rubber increased to Rs 195 (Rs 194.50) a kg, according to traders. The grade closed firm at Rs 194.50 (Rs 194) both at Kottayam and Kochi, as quoted by the Rubber Board.

August futures weakened to Rs 193.03 (Rs 194.76), September to Rs 181.60 (Rs 183.69), October to Rs 172.66 (Rs 173.57), November to Rs 166.90 (Rs 167.61) and December to Rs 167.50 (Rs 167.57) on the National Multi Commodity Exchange. RSS 3 (spot) inched up to Rs 150.42 (Rs 150.07) at Bangkok. August futures closed at ¥ 245.5 (Rs 150.32) on the Tokyo Commodity Exchange.

Spot rubber rates (Rs/kg) : RSS-4: 195 (194.50); RSS-5: 190 (190); Ungraded: 180 (180); ISNR 20: 176.50 (177) and Latex 60 per cent: 161 (161).