Kuala lumpur: The Kuala Lumpur rubber market closed lower today following declines in regional rubber futures and softer crude oil prices, said a dealer. The market sentiment was impacted by expectations of improved weather conditions in major natural rubber-producing countries.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Thailand's northeast monsoon is expected to weaken, reducing rainfall in the south from December 18 to 24. At the time of writing, Brent crude oil prices decreased by 0.50 percent to USD 59.52 per barrel, further affecting the market.

Despite the decline, losses were limited due to positive economic data from the United States. US initial jobless claims rose to 224,000, aligning with forecasts and indicating a steady labor market that supported risk sentiment.

At 3 pm, the price of Standard Malaysian Rubber (SMR) 20 decreased by 4.5 sen to 723.00 sen per kilogram, while latex-in-bulk declined by 1.5 sen to 575.00 sen per kilogram.