Cotton futures closed lower Friday, with December contracts down 45 points for the week. Crude oil futures fell 96 cents/barrel, while the US dollar index rose to $97.435. Commitment of Traders data showed spec traders increasing net short positions by 1,415 contracts to 39,879 contracts as of July 22.

Export Sales commitments for cotton are at 11.768 million RB, 107% of USDA’s expected number. Actual shipments total 10.778 million RB, surpassing the 95% average pace. The Seam reported 801 bales sold at an average price of 62.77 cents/lb, with ICE cotton stocks down 18 bales on decertification.

Closing prices for cotton futures on Friday were: Oct 25 at 67.01, down 33 points; Dec 25 at 68.23, down 48 points; Mar 26 at 69.65, down 48 points. USDA’s Adjusted World Price (AWP) for cotton was up 23 points Thursday at 54.95 cents/lb. No positions in mentioned securities were held by Austin Schroeder on publication date.

Read more at Yahoo Finance: Cotton Closes Lower to End the Week