Weekly Market Wrap

For the latest edition, please Refresh frequently visited pages.

With Adrian Field, Melbourne
Trading Manager

April 8, 2005

Good start to final sales quarter

The eastern market indicator has kicked-off to a great start following the Easter Break. The indicator gained 8 cents per kilogram to close at 736c/kg.

Most of the price rises were in the middle to broad wool micron ranges, in contrast to past trends. Most recent increases have been in the 19 micron and finer categories. Wools in the 19 micron range were the only types to fall this week, easing about 6c/kg.

All other categories such as skirtings, crossbred wools and cardings increased 5-15c/kg this week.

Passed-in rates were low, accounting for 9 per cent of the sale offerings.

The main reason for the lift in the market was the weaker Australian dollar. Small offerings also assisted good prices.

Next week's sales will be held in Fremantle, Sydney and Melbourne, with a total offering expected to reach a little more than 74,000 bales.

If the dollar remains at the same level, little change is expected. The market should be pretty healthy.

Unlike recent years, it is anticipated that the market will remain fairly solid heading into the end of the financial year.

One indication of a stable market is the fact that some of the poorer style wools have started to receive good support.

RECENT ISSUES