ICE cotton futures closed lower amid weaker US export sales, while higher supply expectations added further pressure on prices. The retreat in the US dollar following a declining trend also weighed on the ICE cotton market.

The most active March 2026 cotton futures settled at 63.10 cents per pound, down 0.84 cents, or 1.31 per cent. The March, May, July, and October 2026 contracts also declined, while the December 2026 contract touched a new intra-day low.

ICE cotton futures weakened as soft US export sales and higher supply expectations reinforced bearish sentiment.
US mill use near a 150-year low and projected ending stocks of 4.5 million bales signal persistent demand weakness.
Rising synthetic fibre substitution and active short positioning continue to pressure prices despite a softer dollar.

Market sentiment remained bearish, with no fresh bullish triggers. Fundamentals continued to weigh on prices, as US mill use hovered near a 150-year low, highlighting structurally weak demand. US ending stocks are projected at 4.5 million bales, signalling a heavy supply overhang, while cotton continues to lose textile demand to synthetic fibres.

Trading volume rose to 51,532 contracts, the highest in four weeks, confirming strong bearish participation. ICE certified stocks stood at 12,474 bales as of December 15, down from 13,971 bales the previous day.

Market analysts noted that the post-harvest market remains directionless, with growers weighing the decision to sell or store. A weaker dollar could provide longer-term support. However, the US dollar index retreated despite stronger-than-expected US jobs data, pointing to Federal Reserve caution on further rate cuts. The US added 64,000 jobs in November, exceeding expectations.

According to CFTC data for the week ended November 25, net short positions declined by 5,398 contracts to 66,081, indicating a modest improvement in sentiment.

This morning (Indian Standard Time), ICE cotton for March 2026 traded at 63.27 cents per pound, up 0.17 cent. Cash cotton was quoted at 60.85 cents, down 0.84 cent. The May 2026 contract traded at 64.45 cents, up 0.19 cent; July 2026 at 65.60 cents, up 0.22 cent; October 2026 at 65.87 cents, down 0.78 cent; and December 2026 at 67.27 cents, up 0.24 cent. A few contracts remained at their previous closing levels, with no trades recorded so far today.

Fibre2Fashion News Desk (KUL)

Economic growth in the Philippines is expected to slow to 5.1 per cent this year as increasing tariffs weigh on exports and investment, before picking up moderately to 5.6 per cent in 2026—a downward revision relative to previous forecasts due to sharper-than-expected slowdown in the third quarter (Q3) 2025 (4 per cent year on year), according to the International Monetary Fund (IMF).

The country’s growth rose to 5.7 per cent in 2024 on strong public consumption and investment but moderated to 5.4 per cent in the first half of 2025 amid strong imports and an election-related public spending ban.

Potential growth is estimated to be around 6 per cent over the medium term, the IMF said after concluding its 2025 Article IV consultation with the country recently.

Growth in the Philippines is expected to slow to 5.1 per cent this year as increasing tariffs weigh on exports and investment, before picking up moderately to 5.6 per cent in 2026, according to the IMF.
Potential growth is estimated to be around 6 per cent over the medium term.
Inflation is projected to average 1.7 per cent in 2025, and then pick up to 2.8 per cent in 2026 as negative base effects recede.

Inflation declined amid a restrictive monetary policy stance and concerted efforts by the government to reduce food prices. Inflation is projected to average 1.7 per cent in 2025, and then pick up to 2.8 per cent in 2026 as negative base effects recede, the IMF said.

Headline and core inflation averaged 1.7 and 2.4 per cent year on year (YoY) respectively in 2025 as of October.

Gradual fiscal consolidation over the medium term will help reinforce fiscal space.  Accelerated implementation of structural and governance reforms would support investor confidence and raise fiscal multipliers and potential growth, the IMF noted.

The risks to the near-term growth outlook are tilted to the downside. The main external risks stem from prolonged global trade policy uncertainty, geopolitical tensions and disruptive financial market corrections. On the domestic front, more frequent and intense climate shocks would cause notable macroeconomic losses.

Fibre2Fashion News Desk (DS)

So now we know what the intriguing holding page was all about for Matches. The defunct online luxury retailer and its Raey own-brand have been acquired by a brand new luxury group.

Two years after it went into administration and was bought by Frasers Group, Joe Wilkinson and Mario Maher have acquired it.

They’re the founders of members-only shopping app Mile (formerly known as Heat), which is backed by LVMH. Matches, along with Mile, will be part of their new luxury group Hulcan.

Matches and Raey will be relaunched in 2026 with “will relaunch in 2026 with a new business model focused on redefining luxury retail through innovation, community and profitability”.

It looks like Raey will be a bigger part of the launch as it’s listed along with Mile and Matches as a separate brand on the Hulcan website.

The company has funding (reportedly $150 million) backed by Frasers Group, Palm Angels founder Francesco Ragazzi, PagsGroup, and Mile investors including Antler, LVMH Luxury Ventures, the Hermès family, Stefano Rosso and Carmen Busquets.

There has been a deluge of speculation about whether Matches would return after the much-loved business was closed by Frasers Group just a few months after it acquired it. And with the consolidation that’s been seen since in the luxury sector there could be a place for the revived business. The new owners certainly have some heavyweight players believing in them but we’ll just have to wait and see. 

For now, Joe Wilkinson said: “This is a big moment for us. We’re bringing brands, media, and technology together into one ecosystem built for the future of luxury. We’re not just building places to shop…We want to shape how people discover, experience, and connect with brands. Over the past six years, we’ve built everything from the ground up, proving we can innovate, scale responsibly, and create real value for both brands and customers. With the backing of our investors and partners, we’re stepping into this next chapter with real momentum.”

Mario Maher, the other co-founder, added: “This strategic decision directs our focus on building deeper collaborative ties with our brand partners, while accelerating the growth of Mile and the evolution of Matches into a modern, highly curated omnichannel experience. We are committed to preserving the unique heritage of Matches, while driving its digital transformation and developing the distinctive voice of Raey into the next chapter within our offering. This framework is the foundation for the modern, connected luxury group we are building.” 

And what of Frasers? Its CEO Michael Murray said: “At Frasers Group, we’re committed to investing in the future of luxury – a core pillar of our Elevation Strategy. The success of Mile under Joe and Mario’s leadership reflects their nuanced understanding of today’s luxury consumer and Hulcan will build on this momentum, engaging the next generation of digital natives. We’re proud to support their vision, offering strategic guidance and global retail expertise as they relaunch Matches and Raey to unlock its full potential.”