Kuala lumpur: The Kuala Lumpur rubber market ended higher on Monday, supported by gains in regional rubber futures markets, firmer benchmark crude oil prices, and a weaker ringgit against the US dollar, said a dealer. Market sentiment was further underpinned by China's decision to keep its benchmark lending rates unchanged, reinforcing policy stability to support economic recovery.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, further gains were capped by mixed United States economic data, expectations of ample natural rubber supply from major producer Thailand, and lingering geopolitical tensions in West Asia. Oil prices climbed three percent on Monday as escalating US-Iran conflict fuelled concerns over oil supply disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz.

At 3 pm, the price of Standard Malaysian Rubber 20 (SMR 20) rose 10.0 sen to 897 sen per kilogramme, while latex in bulk increased two sen to 724 sen per kilogramme.