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ICE cotton pauses gains amid stronger dollar & weak export sales

23 Aug '24
2 min read
ICE cotton pauses gains amid stronger dollar & weak export sales
Pic: Adobe Stock

Insights

  • ICE cotton paused its recent gains, pressured by a stronger dollar and weak USDA export sales.
  • Despite global crude oil prices rising over 1 per cent, which helped limit cotton futures' losses, the December contract settled at 69.34 cents per pound, down 1.01 cents, ending a five-day winning streak.
  • Weather remains a concern, particularly in West Texas.
ICE cotton paused its positive momentum yesterday, facing selling pressure after an increase in the dollar index and a below-average export sales report from the USDA. The dollar index gained ahead of the Federal Reserve meeting. US cotton encountered headwinds due to pressure on most agricultural commodities and equity markets. However, positive movement in crude oil prices helped limit losses in cotton futures.

Yesterday, the ICE cotton December contract settled at 69.34 cents per pound (0.453 kg), down 1.01 cents. This ended a five-day gaining streak during which it had gained 330 points. Despite this, global crude oil prices increased by over one per cent due to expectations of a US interest rate cut, marking a decline over the last four consecutive trading sessions. The rise in crude oil prices made the polyester value chain more expensive, which helped limit losses in cotton futures.

Certified cotton stocks remained unchanged at 12,767 bales, with the first notice day for December futures set for 22 November.

The weather in West Texas remains concerning. The drought area has expanded to cover 30 per cent of the cotton belt, a significant increase compared to last week. The condition in the Delta region is favourable, providing some support to the market.

Traders are focusing on weather conditions and demand at lower prices. A Federal Reserve rate cut may boost the economic outlook in the coming days.

Currently, ICE cotton for December 2024 is trading at 69.42 cents per pound, up 0.08 cents. Cash cotton is trading at 65.09 cents (down 0.12 cents), the October contract at 69.59 cents (down 0.12 cents), the March 2025 contract at 70.05 cents per pound (up 0.09 cents), the May 2025 contract at 72.12 cents (up 0.07 cents), and the July 2025 contract at 72.76 cents (up 0.10 cents). A few contracts remained at the same level as the last closing, with no trading noted today.

ALCHEMPro News Desk (KUL)

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