Kuala Lumpur:The rubber market in Kuala Lumpur concluded with mixed results on Thursday, despite the strengthening of regional rubber futures following the Chinese market's reopening after the National Day holidays.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, the reopening of the Chinese market bolstered buying interest, as stronger Shanghai futures indicated increased market activity post the week-long closure. The market also received additional support from rising crude oil prices, driven by concerns over potential supply disruptions in West Asia and a decrease in United States crude inventories.

Concerns about supply disruptions and shipping attacks in West Asia persisted. U.S. crude inventories reported a decline of 3.2 million barrels, totaling 424.1 million barrels for the week ending October 2.

However, the market's gains were constrained by reduced vehicle demand in China and growing trade tensions between China and the European Union (EU). The dealer noted that rising trade tensions might further dampen vehicle demand, as China dismissed the EU's appeal to restrict hybrid car exports, heightening uncertainty in the automotive sector.

By 3 pm, Standard Malaysian Rubber 20 (SMR 20) had decreased by 4.5 sen to 1,051.5 sen per kilogram, while bulk latex had risen by three sen to 767 sen per kilogram.