Date:09/12/2005 URL: http://www.thehindubusinessline.com/2005/12/09/stories/2005120902331200.htm

Back Rubber firm on demand-supply gap

Our Correspondent

Kottayam , Dec. 8

THE rubber prices were steady on Thursday. The gap between demand and supply positions kept the undercurrent firm, though the buyers turned extremely cautious at higher levels. Major manufacturers were also reported to be active in the main marketing centres.

The bullish international markets added further strength to the market mood but the strong buyer resistance kept most of the grades flat with a decline in volumes.

RSS 4, the only gainer of the day improved by 25 paise to Rs 68.25 a kg both at Kottayam and Kochi.

The rubber futures firmed up further on NMCE following strong domestic and overseas guidance. The December contract was quoted at Rs 68.30 (Rs 67.94), January contract at Rs 69.54 (Rs 69.00), February contract at Rs 70.70 (Rs 70.05) and March contract at Rs 71.43 (Rs 70.43) per kg for RSS 4.

The January contract for the same grade improved to Rs 70.00 from Rs 69.41 a kg on MCX.

RSS 3 closed at Rs 75.88 against Rs 75.15 a kg at Bangkok.

The physical rubber prices per kg were: RSS-4: Rs 68.25 (Rs 68); RSS-5: Rs 66 (Rs 66); ungraded: Rs 64 (Rs 64); ISNR 20: Rs 65.75 (Rs 65.75) and Latex 60%: Rs 46 (Rs 46).