ICE cotton futures remained bearish as farmer selling and algorithmic activity dampened market sentiment. The overall commodities market was weak yesterday, although a falling US dollar and rising crude oil prices helped limit the decline in US cotton.

The more active March 2026 cotton futures settled at 64.46 cents per pound, down 0.11 cents, reflecting continued price stagnation. Other contracts closed with declines between 4 and 11 points. The 64-cent low attracted some fundamental buying interest, but farmer selling and algorithmic trades capped any move toward 65 cents.

ICE cotton futures remained weak as farmer selling and algorithmic activity limited any upward move despite support from a softer US dollar and firmer crude oil.
March 2026 settled at 64.46 cents amid low trading volumes and stagnant prices.
Weak US economic data boosted expectations of rate cuts.
JP Morgan sees prices potentially rising to 75 cents by late next year.

The US Dollar Index fell 0.45 per cent to 98.85, touching an intraday low of 98.82, its lowest level since October 29. The weaker dollar made US cotton cheaper for global buyers and supported overall demand.

Rising crude oil prices increased polyester costs, indirectly supporting cotton prices as polyester became less competitive.

Total trading volume was 26,902 contracts, one of the lowest levels in more than two months.

Overall commodities were weaker, while US equity markets moved towards all-time highs. Market sentiment was driven by expectations of a possible December interest rate cut by the Federal Reserve. US ADP data showed private-sector employment fell by 32,000 in November compared to expectations of a 10,000-job increase. Weaker-than-expected economic data strengthened expectations of further monetary easing.

CFTC data showed speculators reduced net short positions by 2,480 contracts, taking their total net short position to 84,607 contracts for the week ending October 21.

JP Morgan projected that ICE cotton futures could rise toward 75 cents per pound by the fourth quarter of next year, while ICE-certified stock remained stable at 19,894 bales as of December 2.

This morning (Indian Standard Time), ICE cotton for March 2026 traded at 64.44 cents per pound (down 0.02 cent), cash cotton at 62.46 cents (down 0.11 cent), the December 2025 contract at 62.66 cents (down 0.11 cent), the May 2026 contract at 65.57 cents (down 0.03 cent), the July 2026 contract at 66.54 cents (down 0.06 cent), and the October 2026 contract at 67.40 cents (down 0.08 cent). A few contracts were unchanged from the previous close, with no trading recorded so far today.

Fibre2Fashion News Desk (KUL)

PUMA has opened the doors to its largest-ever European flagship store on Oxford Street in London, which will bring the best of the company’s products and immersive storytelling closer to consumers in one of the busiest shopping destinations in Europe.

The new flagship store, located just seconds from Selfridges and Bond Street Tube Station, spans 24,000 square-feet and features PUMA’s industry-leading innovations, such as running technology NITRO, its football boots FUTURE, ULTRA and KING, as well as its current range of lifestyle products.

Puma has opened its largest European flagship on London’s Oxford Street, a 24,000-sq-ft space showcasing NITRO running tech, key football franchises and lifestyle ranges.
The store features customisation zones, digital experiences, archive displays and a London-exclusive collection, with major events planned through 2025–26 as Puma boosts its direct-to-consumer focus.

“The opening of our Oxford Street flagship is an exciting moment for PUMA,” said Arthur Hoeld, CEO at PUMA. “It’s our first Flagship store in Europe, which gives us the chance to connect with more people than ever before — right in the heart of one of the world’s most iconic shopping destinations. It is a powerful platform to engage directly with consumers, showcase our latest performance innovations, and strengthen our brand presence in one of the world’s most influential retail destinations. This space not only highlights our product excellence, but also celebrates our heritage and long-standing connection with elite athletes.”

Consumers can take advantage of multiple customisation areas to create unique products, immerse themselves into PUMA’s performance technology NITRO through a digital running video-wall that reacts to every touch, or learn more about the brand’s rich history in the archive area that features iconic pieces from the past 77 years of the brand.

“London is one of the most competitive retail markets in the world, and Oxford Street is its main stage,” Lucynda Davies, Managing Director UK & Ireland at PUMA, added. “This flagship shows our confidence in the UK and reflects our commitment to delivering fresh, creative experiences that feel authentic to PUMA.”

To mark the opening, PUMA introduced a London Exclusive collection designed by Heiko Desens, PUMA’s Vice President Creative Direction & Innovation. Inspired by the city’s community spirit and creative energy, the collection reimagines British icons such as the Union Flag and Harris Tweed through PUMA’s modern lens. The limited-edition pieces are available exclusively at the London Flagship.

Now open to the public, the London Flagship will have a dynamic program of events and activations for the rest of 2025 and into 2026, hosting exclusive collaborations and athlete appearances to evolving in-store experiences, ensuring the flagship remains a vibrant destination long after launch.

As part of the store’s activation plans, PUMA will hold a dedicated launch event on December 4, celebrating its official debut. In the months ahead, the London Flagship will also serve as the stage for major brand moments, including a pre-race HYROX experience for HYROX London athletes on the December 3, and a special motorsport event on December 11, which will highlight PUMA’s racing heritage and the PUMA x Aston Martin F1 Team partnership and a Select Capsule Collection.

In October, PUMA outlined its new strategic priorities aimed at resetting the company and establishing it as a Top 3 sports brand globally. While both its Wholesale and its direct-to-consumer business will continue to play an important role in PUMA’s distribution strategy, the company aims to evolve its channel mix and aim for higher growth in our direct-to-consumer channels to bring it closer to industry averages.

Note: The headline, insights, and image of this press release may have been refined by the Fibre2Fashion staff; the rest of the content remains unchanged.

Fibre2Fashion News Desk (RM)