Cotton futures closed higher on Thursday, with contracts up 47 to 72 points. Crude oil futures also rose by 95 cents per barrel. The US dollar index increased by $0.277 to $97.220.

Export Sales data revealed 32,748 RB in net reductions for old crop cotton and 132,624 RB in net sales for new crop. Shipments totaled 184,849 RB, with Vietnam and Pakistan being the top buyers.

The Seam reported 2,800 bales sold at an average price of 60.78 cents/lb. The Cotlook A Index rose by 5 points to 78.70. ICE cotton stocks decreased by 702 bales, with certified stocks at 21,635 bales. USDA’s AWP increased to 54.95 cents/lb.

Cotton prices for Oct 25 closed at 67.34, up 72 points, while Dec 25 closed at 68.71, up 47 points, and Mar 26 closed at 70.13, up 50 points.

Read more at Yahoo Finance: Cotton Holds onto Thursday Gains