The benchmark rubber contract on the Tokyo Commodity Exchange for August delivery rose 2.8 yen, or 0.6 percent, to settle at 436.4 yen ($5.39) per kg. It rose 2 percent early in the session to 442.8 yen before profit-taking set in.

"Players started taking profits when prices tipped over 440 yen, the key resistance," said a Tokyo-based trader.

However, some dealers said futures could rise further on Friday, with 430 yen seen as a strong support level.

The most active Shanghai rubber contract for May delivery slipped 25 yuan to settle at 36,625 yuan ($5,585) per tonne. * Physical rubber prices jumped at least 33 percent this week as tyremakers returned to the market and resumed buying after prices fell to levels they found acceptable.

Brent crude fell for a second day on Thursday, shedding as much as 0.4 percent towards $115, after the resignation of Portugal's prime minister rekindled euro-zone concerns, prompting oil traders to unwind long positions and take profits.