Weekly Market Wrap

For the latest edition, please Refresh frequently visited pages.

With Adrian Field, Melbourne
Trading Manager

June 2, 2006

Prices ease

THE eastern market indicator eased 6 cents per kilogram this week to close at 727c/kg.

Although the Australian dollar weakened slightly, there were not enough orders to account for the sudden increase in wool offered.

Of the 65,374 bales offered, 18.1 per cent was passed in. The fall in prices had a big impact on the passed-in rates.

All types in all categories dipped, apart from 28-30 micron crossbred wools, which showed little change. Wools of 19-22 micron received the biggest discounts, hence the large passed-in rate.

Southern region

Merino fleece wools fell considerably, especially 19-22 micron types, which shed up to 25c/kg. Remaining microns fell 5-10c/kg.

Merino skirtings actually remained firm and, in some cases, improved slightly.

Crossbred fleece wools remained unchanged overall, easing in the finer (27 micron and finer) categories and strengthening in the broader (28-32 micron) range.

Carding wools showed little change, but probably weakened slightly overall.

About 40,000 bales have been rostered for sale next week in Melbourne and Sydney. Fremantle has a one week recess.

The market should be fairly solid due to limited offerings combined with a weakening Australian dollar, which has fallen nearly 1.5 per cent.

RECENT ISSUES