Thai rubber futures ended mostly lower on Monday with 39 contracts traded, down from 53 on Friday, as the market awaited trading leads, brokers said.
The most active December contract fell to 53.5 baht per kg from 53.6 baht on Friday, although the number of contracts traded rose to 21 from 14.
Most other contracts fell 0.10 baht per kg ($0.245/kg). "Volumes were light. Investors are looking for fresh news, any news," said one broker. Brokers say they are considering raising commission fees to 0.15 percent from the current 0.1 percent, possibly next month.
Thailand, the world biggest rubber producer and exporter, launched its first commodity exchange on May 28, allowing brokers to trade in ribbed smoked sheet number 3 (RSS3) September, October, November and December contracts were offered.
Trading hours are 10.30 am-12.00 pm (0330-0500 GMT). In Thailand's Hat Yai rubber physical market, RSS3 rubber sheet was at 52.4 baht per kg ($1.28 per kg) on Monday, down from 52.8 baht on Friday. On Singapore's SICOM, RSS3 was steady at $1.35 per kg.