Kuala Lumpur:The rubber market in Kuala Lumpur concluded the week on a positive note, driven by favorable United States economic data and an optimistic outlook for the US automotive sector, despite mixed futures in regional markets. According to BERNAMA News Agency, resilient labor-market conditions in the US contributed to an uplift in market sentiment. Initial jobless claims dropped by 1,000, reaching 197,000 for the week ending September 19. Additionally, the US automotive market outlook bolstered demand sentiment, with the forecast for new vehicle sales in 2026 revised upward to 16.1 million units. September sales are anticipated to rise by 6.5% compared to the previous year. However, the dealer noted that the market gains were restrained by a stronger ringgit against the US dollar, a decline in tyre production and demand in China ahead of an extended holiday, and increased inventories on the Shanghai Futures Exchange. By 3 pm, the price of Standard Malaysian Rubber 20 (SMR 20) had increased by four s en to 1,040 sen per kilogram, while bulk latex prices held steady at 730.5 sen per kilogram.