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KUALA LUMPUR : The Malaysian rubber market is poised for a modest rebound next week, supported by renewed optimism stemming from potential economic stimulus measures by China, according to the Malaysian Rubber Glove Manufacturers Association (MARGMA).   The Association of Natural Rubber Producing Countries (ANRPC) has forecast a 1.5% increase in global natural rubber (NR) consumption in 2025, reaching approximately 15.6 million tonnes, contributing to the improved market outlook. “A tight supply outlook in key producing countries is likely to provide additional price support,” a MARGMA spokesperson told Bernama. However, the association cautioned that the lack of progress in US-China trade negotiations continues to cast a shadow over global sentiment. “Rubber prices are expected to remain closely aligned with movements in regional rubber futures markets, alongside fluctuations in the ringgit against the US dollar and global crude oil prices,” the spokesperson added. Industry veteran Denis Low noted that ongoing geopolitical uncertainties, particularly those stemming from policies under former US President Donald Trump’s administration, have contributed to volatility in the market. “We are navigating an increasingly fluid and complex global economic landscape. Businesses must continue to remain agile in response to the evolving challenges shaped by international policy shifts,” he said. On a weekly basis, the Malaysian Rubber Board reported that the reference price for Standard Malaysian Rubber 20 (SMR 20) declined by 14.5 sen to 738.0 sen per kilogramme (kg), while latex in bulk dropped 16.5 sen to 609.0 sen per kg. –Bernama

KUALA LUMPUR : The crude palm oil (CPO) futures market is likely to maintain a downward bias next week, weighed by expectations of rising domestic stock levels and subdued export demand. According to palm oil trader David Ng, local inventories are anticipated to climb as Malaysia enters its peak harvesting season, a period typically associated with increased production. “Export demand remains soft, especially from major markets like India and China, which are approaching purchases cautiously due to ample global vegetable oil supply and price competitiveness from alternatives such as soybean and sunflower oil,” he said. He added that sentiment in the market is currently cautious, with traders awaiting key export and production figures. “Unless there is a notable shift in demand or new policy developments from key importing nations, the market is expected to remain subdued in the near term,” he said, forecasting that prices may trend within the RM3,750 to RM3,900 per tonne range next week. For the week ended Friday, the spot month May 2025 contract dropped RM219 to RM3,920 per tonne, while June 2025 declined RM150 to RM3,907 and July 2025 eased RM176 to RM3,881. August 2025 was down RM164 at RM3,883, September 2025 declined RM151 to RM3,888, and October 2025 settled RM138 lower at RM3,891. Weekly trading volume contracted to 240,534 lots from 410,686 the previous week, while open interest dipped to 232,901 contracts from 239,139. The physical CPO price for May South fell RM180 to RM4,020 per tonne. –Bernama

Eco World International Bhd (ECWI) saw its share price rise in early morning trading following its decision to end a collaboration agreement with Eco World Development Group Bhd (EcoWorld Malaysia), which had limited its ability to pursue property investment and development opportunities in Malaysia. As at 10am, ECWI’s shares were up four sen to 25.5 sen, with 8.31 million shares changing hands. The agreement, signed in 2016, had imposed geographical restrictions on both parties. ECWI was barred from undertaking property ventures in Malaysia, while EcoWorld Malaysia was restricted from expanding overseas, except via ECWI. Maybank Investment Bank Bhd (Maybank IB) viewed the termination of the agreement positively, noting that the move enables ECWI to pivot back to a more stable and predictable property market. “This marks a strategic shift that allows ECWI to re-enter a more stable and visible Malaysian property market, especially in contrast to its current exposure in London and Australia, where market challenges have put all planned launches on hold,” Maybank IB said in a note. The bank added that ECWI could now leverage its strong balance sheet to tap into local opportunities, reduce earnings volatility, and potentially collaborate again with EcoWorld Malaysia in new projects. According to Maybank IB, ECWI plans to raise around RM500 million over the next 18 to 24 months by monetising its unsold property inventory and land assets in London, estimated to be worth about RM230 million. The proceeds would be used to fund potential land acquisitions in Malaysia. With its return to the local market, ECWI may also reassess its dividend commitments between 2025 and 2026. Maybank IB is maintaining its earnings forecast and target price of 27 sen for the company. –Bernama