Kuala Lumpur: The Kuala Lumpur rubber market ended lower on Monday, reflecting trends in regional rubber futures markets as traders reacted to weak Chinese economic data, according to a dealer. Sentiment in the market was further dampened by declining crude oil prices and a stronger ringgit against the US dollar, which influenced trading activities.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, at 4.35 pm, the ringgit appreciated to 4.3720/4.3770 against the greenback, compared to Friday's close of 4.3750/3800. Despite these developments, further losses in the rubber market were limited by positive economic performance in the United States, with traders remaining cautious ahead of the US Federal Reserve's anticipated interest rate decision later this week.

The dealer highlighted that trading in the rubber market was relatively subdued due to the absence of many market players, as they were away for the extended Chinese New Year holidays. The Malaysian Rubber Board (MRB) reported that at 3 pm, the price of Standard Malaysian Rubber 20 (SMR 20) fell by eight sen to 883 sen per kilogramme, while latex in bulk dropped by three sen to 678 sen per kilogramme.

The Kuala Lumpur rubber market is scheduled to close from January 28-30, 2025, for the Chinese New Year holidays and will resume operations on January 31, 2025.