The Daily Close · Sunday 18 October 2026

A soft session with sticky edges

Closing assessment from the Department of Cultured Assets. Published at 20:00 UTC.

CT30 2,950.53 ▼ 0.39%

Sentiment cooled steadily from the opening cowbell. The Cheddar 30 closed down 0.39% at 2,950.53. Feta led the board with a gain of 12.14%, while Cave blue fell 8.95% and finished the session at 38.88 curds.

The 11:00 cellar inspection gave processed holdings a clean bill of health, and the inspectors stayed for a second plate. At 15:00 the fondue desk lowered its temperature target, a decision the committee described as firm but yielding. Fresh finished as the strongest sector at +4.56%, with hard the weakest at -2.89%. The brine settlement window at 17:30 weighed on soft names into the close.

We expect volatility to persist while the board debates the definition of a slice. We continue to rate the broad board Hold at Room Temperature and remain constructive on Feta. Cracker coverage is adequate. The strategic biscuit reserve was not touched.