Japanese rubber futures inched down on Thursday, tracking a weaker Shanghai market and tepid Tokyo equities, though supply concerns stemming from adverse weather conditions in top producer Thailand limited the losses.
The Osaka Exchange (OSE) rubber contract for January delivery 
TRB1!, TRB1! was down 0.3 yen, or 0.1%, at 324.1 yen ($2.2) per kg, as of 0202 GMT.
The rubber contract on the Shanghai Futures Exchange (SHFE) for January delivery RSS31! slipped 10 yuan, or 0.1%, to 15,855 yuan ($2,211) per metric ton.
Japan’s Nikkei share average slipped, pulling back from a record high seen in the previous session, as investors locked in profits following six consecutive days of gains on growing concerns over market overheating.
Thailand’s meteorological agency warned of heavy rains and accumulations that may cause flash floods and overflows during August 13-19.
The yen 
USDJPY traded at 146.55 against U.S. dollar, compared with around 147.93 yen in late Wednesday Asia trade.
A stronger currency makes yen-denominated assets less affordable to overseas buyers.
Oil prices edged higher, regaining ground after a sell-off in the previous session, with the upcoming meeting between U.S. President Donald Trump and his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin raising risk premiums in the market.
The front-month rubber contract on Singapore Exchange’s SICOM platform for September delivery TF1! last traded at 171.5 U.S. cents per kg, up 1.2%.
AloJapan.com