A strong start in Melbourne on Tues- day had the finer microns outperform- ing the rest of the market jumping by 40-50 cents, although cracks started to appear with the broader microns which eased back slightly. Wednesday saw further strengthening when Sydney and Fremantle came into the mix, however Melbourne again lost ground in the broader microns.
The fine wool price rise of recent weeks has seen the price differentials stretch out to more traditional levels, with the gap between 18 and 21 microns now 453 cents, almost 200 cents above the 10 year average price differential.
By the close of the week the eastern states had gained ground, while the western market closed in the red with some microns shedding over 40 cents.
The crossbred market continued to struggle with prices 5-20cents lower than last week, except 32 microns which were 40 cents lower and 28 mi- cron which managed a small increase. All carding indicators rose this week, again pushing them into record territory in all centres.
Sales resume next week with a national offering of just over 47,000 bales.