Cotton futures are trading with midday gains of 7 to 15 points on Tuesday, shrugging off early weakness. Crude oil is down another $4.10 per barrel, with the US dollar index down 0.224.
Weekly Crop Progress data showed 81% of the US cotton crop squared as of Sunday, now steady with normal. The crop was also 45% setting bolls, matching the 5-year average pace. Condition ratings were pegged at 46% good/excellent, up 1 percentage point on the week. The Brugler500 index was up 4 points to 336. Ratings in TX were up 10 points, with GA steady. Just LA, OK, TN, and VA were reported with deteriorating conditions.
