Cotton prices are trading on both sides of unchanged as we roll into midday on Tuesday, with thinly traded October down 14 points and other contracts 3 points either side of UNCH. Futures had closed out the Monday session with losses of 52 to 58 points. Crude oil futures are down a sharp 99 cents per barrel. The US dollar index is weaker, as the heavily weighted euro extends the rally it began on Friday.
Weekly USDA Crop Progress data indicated 75% of the US cotton crop was squaring as of July 20, with 33% setting bolls, matching the average maturity pace. Condition ratings across the Belt improved 3% to 57% gd/ex, with the Brugler500 index up 8 points to 347.
