Glove makers rally as natural rubber prices lift Malaysia's healthcare index

Four glove manufacturers were among the most heavily traded stocks on Bursa Malaysia Thursday, propelling the Healthcare Index up 103.97 points, or about 7%, to a level not seen since mid-June. Top Glove Corp Bhd surged 21.4% to close at 76.5 sen, valuing the company at roughly RM6.29 billion, while Supermax Corp Bhd rose 22.9% to 43 sen and Careplus Group Bhd climbed 20% to nine sen. Hartalega added a 19% increase. The rally coincided with a rise in SMR20 rubber to RM10.215 per kg and bulk latex to RM7.105 per kg, following a reported 21% year-on-year fall in Indonesia's natural rubber exports and ongoing haze concerns that may further limit supply.