The small increase in quantity did little to hinder the positive buying sentiment evident in recent sales.

The Benchmark Eastern Market Indicator (EMI) set a record on the first selling day of 1834 cents, easily surpassing the 1822 cents set in January.

The EMI dropped 4 cents on the second day, closing at 1830 cents, an overall increase of 10 cents for the week.

Also hitting record highs this week, in all three centres, were the individual Micron Price Guides (MPGs) for 21.0 and 22.0 micron.

In the Eastern Markets record levels were also recorded in the 16.5, 19.0 and 20.0 MPGs.

The prevalence of wools with very high mid breaks is continuing to rise, as the quantity of these lots increases, so too does the discount applied to them.

In many cases, these wools are bringing 80 to 100 cents less than similar wools possessing more favourable additional measurement results.

The skirting market performed with mixed results. Wools carrying less than 2 per cent vegetable matter (vm) and possessing good length and strength results were highly sought after and therefore dearer for the week. Faultier lots and wools with less favourable results were highly irregular, tending cheaper.

The crossbred market also had varied results: 25.0 to 28.0 micron were generally 10 to 25 cents dearer, however the broader types lost 10 to 15 cents.

Despite a solid start to the week the carding market suffered further corrections this week. All types and descriptions had general losses of between 10 and 30 cents, the Southern region least affected, the losses pushed the three carding indicators down by an average of 7 cents.

Quantities increase again for Week 36: currently there are 46,490 bales on offer.

.