It was another good market, with the AWEX EMI and Regional Indicators at their highest levels for the season. Competition in the sale rooms was strong, with some very good prices paid for the better wools. Demand was greatest in the 19.0 to 22.0 micron ranges, as it was last week and on a number of occasions in recent weeks. This was in spite of a small offering of wools less than 18.5 microns. The trade reports that there are some "new" season wools coming onto the market in the South, which are better in style, but have high levels of VM.

The increases in the average AWEX MPGs since January are now greatest from 19.5 to 23 microns, although they lag behind the fine wools in the changes since the start of the season.

The EMI in US currency (1469¢) has risen by 89.9% since July compared with a 56.9% increase in Australian currency.

It was good week for the skirtings, with strong demand, a sharp lift in prices for the better types and a better overall clearance rate to the trade. The pass-in rate was 9.8% compared with an average of 17.8% in the four previous sales. It was a very good week for crossbreds with increases of 3 to 4% in their average AWEX MPGs. Oddments did less well than other types and generally moved down during the week. The average Merino Cardings Price Guide was down by another 2.3%, but still remains at a very good level.