Kuala lumpur: The rubber market ended higher today, with Standard Malaysian Rubber 20 (SMR 20) reaching a new high for 2026 and its highest level since February 15, 2017, supported by gains in regional futures and firmer crude oil prices.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Japanese futures rose, bolstered by higher crude oil prices and firmer spot prices in key producing regions, although a stronger yen limited the extent of the gains. Stronger Chinese economic and automotive indicators also played a role in supporting market sentiment, although weaker domestic vehicle demand in China was a limiting factor.
At 3 pm, the price of SMR 20 increased by 22 sen to 1,007.50 sen per kilogram, while latex in bulk added five sen to reach 705.5 sen per kilogram.