Rubber futures generally weaker amid slowing Chinese economy

Tokyo – Natural rubber futures were generally weaker over the trading week ended 17 July, as major Far East markets reacted to slower-than-expected economic growth in China.

In Osaka, Japan, the OSE December rubber contract settled 0.4% higher week-on-week in "thin trading." In Shanghai, SHFE and INE rubber futures edged 0.1% and 0.7% lower, respectively.

In Singapore, the SICOM October rubber contract ended the week 0.4% lower on "light selling interest," according to Japan Exchange Group (JPX) on 20 July.

JPX said physical buying activity eased during the week, with spot market premiums over the SICOM front-month contract narrowing to around 10 cents/kg.

"Weaker-than-expected" second-quarter GDP growth in China of 4.3% also weighed on overall market sentiment, JPX added.