Kuala lumpur: The rubber market ended lower on Friday, influenced by a slightly stronger ringgit against the US dollar, as reported by a dealer. Earlier today, the local currency appreciated to 4.0835/0895 against the greenback from the previous day's close of 4.0850/0890.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, market sentiment was further affected by weak consumer demand and intense price competition in China's domestic automotive market. 'Weak Chinese domestic vehicle demand remained a concern, despite stronger overseas sales, limiting expectations for near-term demand growth,' a dealer explained.

The dealer also noted that firmer crude oil prices provided some support to the market. 'Oil prices edged higher as US threats of a naval blockade of Iran revived concerns over potential crude supply disruptions,' she added. At the time of writing, Brent crude had increased by 0.95 per cent, reaching US$87.90 per barrel.

At 3 pm, the price of Standard Malaysian Rubber 20 (SMR 20) fell by seven sen to 909 sen per kilogramme, while latex in bulk decreased by 3.5 sen to 688.50 sen per kilogramme.