Benchmark Tokyo rubber futures climbed on Wednesday, backed by firmer oil prices and higher Shanghai futures, but trade was light as investors nervously eyed Britain's EU membership referendum due on Thursday. The Tokyo Commodity Exchange (TOCOM) rubber contract for November delivery finished up 1.9 yen, or 1.2 percent, at 155.7 yen ($1.49) per kg. Behind the rise were stronger oil prices and gains in overseas rubber markets, said a Tokyo-based dealer.
The most-active rubber contract on the Shanghai futures exchange for September delivery rose 230 yuan to finish at 11,150 yuan ($1,694.14) per tonne. The front-month rubber contract on Singapore's SICOM exchange for July delivery last traded at 128.8 US cents per kg, up 1.5 cent.