Kuala lumpur: The rubber market is expected to move sideways next week as buying is limited to immediate needs and replenishment, according to industry expert Denis Low. He noted that the market is likely to remain quiet, with prices and demand muted, and a slight bias toward lower levels.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Low highlighted that several uncertainties are influencing market behavior. Geopolitical tensions continue to make traders and manufacturers cautious, while seasonal factors are impacting rubber productivity in the forthcoming weeks. He also mentioned that the early end of the monsoon season, alongside the wintering of rubber trees, is affecting the opening of the new season and the overall supply.

Meanwhile, a trader anticipates that rubber prices will trade in a mixed-to-cautious manner next week. This will be guided primarily by movements in regional rubber futures, fluctuations in the ringgit against the US dollar, and changes in crude oil prices. The trader emphasized that the market remains supported by tight natural rubber supply due to heavy rainfall in key producing countries.

Market participants are also expected to closely monitor global economic developments, geopolitical tensions, and policy signals from major rubber-consuming nations. On a Friday-to-Friday basis, the Malaysian Rubber Board's reference price for Standard Malaysian Rubber 20 (SMR 20) rose 10 sen to 758 sen per kilogramme (kg), while latex in bulk increased by two sen to 578 sen per kg.