KUALA LUMPUR (May 21): The FBM KLCI closed up 16.99 points or 1.18% today at 1,452.11, helped by share price gains in index-link rubber glove manufacturers on resurgent concerns about the Covid-19 pandemic, amid doubts about the development of a vaccine. 

Spot rubber finished flat on Thursday. RSS 4 closed unchanged at ₹114 and ₹115 per kg respectively, according to traders and the Rubber Board. The trend was partially mixed as Latex improved on fresh enquiries from the general rubber goods sector.

SINGAPORE (Reuters) - The dollar clawed back some of the week’s losses on Thursday, as investors brought a more cautious tone to trade, while Sino-U.S. tensions and weak economic indicators dampened the mood.

TOKYO/WASHINGTON (Reuters) - Asian shares stepped back slightly and U.S. stock futures fell on Thursday as lingering caution about the long-term impact of the coronavirus outbreak offset some of this week’s enthusiasm over re-opening of economies.

KOBE, Japan—Sumitomo Rubber Industries Ltd.'s operating profit for the quarter ended March 31 fell 54.1 percent to $25.3 million on 9.7 percent lower sales as the company dealt with the global economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.

TOKYO (Reuters) - The decline in Japan’s factory activity accelerated in May as output and orders slumped, highlighting increasing stress in the manufacturing sector from the coronavirus pandemic.