The rubber market gained strength on Wednesday. According to observers, there were no fresh enquires from any consuming sectors, but prices improved following a better closing in the domestic and international futures. Sheet rubber improved to Rs 160 (159) a kg at Kottayam and Kochi, according to traders and the Rubber Board. In the futures market, January contracts recovered to Rs 162.30 (160.40), February to Rs 164.73 (162.71) and March to Rs 168 (165.80) a kg on the National Multi Commodity Exchange.
RSS 3 (spot) closed firm at Rs 175.09 (173.67) a kg at Bangkok.
The January futures increased to ¥279 (Rs 179.44) from ¥274.5 a kg on the Tokyo Commodity Exchange.
Spot rates were (Rs/kg): RSS-4: 160 (159); RSS-5: 154 (153); ungraded: 149 (148); ISNR 20: 150 (149) and latex 60 per cent: 105 (105).