Group 1 - The cotton futures on the Intercontinental Exchange (ICE) closed lower on December 29, but remained close to the multi-week high reached the previous week, supported by short covering, a general rise in soft commodity markets, and increasing oil prices [1] - The ICE March cotton contract fell by 0.14 cents or 0.22%, settling at 64.35 cents per pound, after reaching its highest level since December 3 the previous Friday [1] - According to StoneX's risk management expert, there appears to be some short covering, but no specific factors are driving this rebound; it seems to be forming a new upward trend [1] Group 2 - As of December 16, speculators increased their net short positions in ICE cotton futures by 1,822 contracts to 60,573 contracts, indicating a cautiously optimistic sentiment [1] - International oil prices rose by over $1 on the same day, making cotton more attractive as a substitute for polyester fibers, which have become more expensive [1] - The overall soft commodity market saw small increases in cocoa, raw sugar, and coffee futures [2] Group 3 - The National Bureau of Statistics of China reported that the national cotton planting area for 2025 is projected to be 4,468.7 million mu, an increase of 2.113 million mu or 5.0% from the previous year; the yield is expected to be 148.6 kg/mu, up by 3.8 kg/mu or 2.6%; and the total production is forecasted at 6.641 million tons, an increase of 477,000 tons or 7.7% [2] - In the grain market, Chicago wheat prices fell on December 29 due to ample global wheat supply putting pressure on the market [3] - The Cotlook A Index on December 29 was reported at 74.50 cents per pound, an increase of 50 points [4]

Group 1: Futures Market - On December 12, ICE cotton futures declined due to a slight rebound in the dollar and weak export demand, with the March cotton contract settling at 63.83 cents per pound, down 0.14 cents or 0.22% [1] - The USDA reported a net increase of 187,600 bales in U.S. cotton export sales for the week ending November 13, a decrease of 36% from the previous week but a 10% increase compared to the four-week average, with net sales to China increasing by 5,700 tons [1] - The USDA's supply and demand report predicted a 1% increase in U.S. cotton production to 14.3 million bales, due to upward revisions in yield estimates from several states in the Southeast and Delta regions [1] Group 2: Inventory and Market Conditions - As of December 11, ICE deliverable stocks of the No. 2 cotton contract remained stable at 13,971 bales [2] - The Cotlook A Index was reported at 74.20 cents per pound on December 11, reflecting an increase of 25 points [3]

Group 1: Futures Market - On December 10, ICE cotton futures rose, supported by technical buying, with the most active March cotton futures contract increasing by 0.26 cents or 0.41%, settling at 64.12 cents per pound [1] - The USDA's December supply and demand report indicated a 1% increase in U.S. cotton production to 14.3 million bales, due to upward adjustments in production estimates for the southeastern U.S. and Delta regions [1] - Global cotton production for the 2025/26 season is estimated at 119.79 million bales, slightly down from the previous estimate of 120.08 million bales [1] Group 2: Market Conditions - The ICE deliverable 2 cotton contract inventory remained stable at 13,971 bales as of December 9 [3] - The Cotlook A Index on December 10 was reported at 73.95 cents per pound, an increase of 25 points [4] - The Federal Reserve's recent interest rate cut is expected to support consumer spending, which may boost demand for cotton and textile products [2]