# Cotton Futures Close Mixed as U.S. Harvest Outpaces Normal Pace

- URL: https://stocks.freetheai.org/news/cotton-futures-close-mixed-as-u-s-harvest-outpaces-normal-pace-5c83a3
- Published: 2026-10-14T21:44:57Z
- Category: commodities; sentiment: mixed; impact: low
- Symbols: [ICEUS:CT1!](https://stocks.freetheai.org/symbols/ICEUS-CT1!)
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Cotton futures finished mixed during midweek trading, with near-term contracts logging modest gains while longer-dated deliveries declined. Front-month contracts added between 15 and 21 points, with December 2026 settlement at 80.66 cents per pound and May 2027 contracts ending at 85.69 cents. In contrast, deferred contracts dropped 2 to 35 points. Benchmark Cotton No. 2 Futures (ICEUS:CT1!) last traded at 80.19 US cents, down 0.58% on the day.

The divergence occurred alongside new crop tracking data showing field activity moving ahead of schedule. Approximately 82% of the domestic cotton crop had bolls opening as of Sunday, while the national harvest reached 31% complete, placing it 2 percentage points ahead of the historical average pace. Harvesting in Texas reached 38%, standing 4 points ahead of average. Crop quality ratings also improved slightly, gaining 2 percentage points week over week to reach 34% in good to excellent condition.

Macroeconomic drivers provided additional context for commodity traders, as crude oil benchmark prices gained $1.03 per barrel and the U.S. dollar index rose by $0.326. Physical market activity showed 675 bales sold on the cash market at an average price of 74.80 cents per pound, while certified exchange inventories remained unchanged at 17,756 bales.

## Key points

- Front-month cotton futures gained 15 to 21 points, while deferred delivery contracts fell between 2 and 35 points.
- The U.S. cotton harvest reached 31% completion, running 2 percentage points ahead of its average historical pace.
- National crop condition ratings improved by 2 percentage points to 34% rated good to excellent.
- Crude oil prices rose $1.03 per barrel and the U.S. dollar index advanced $0.326 during the session.

## Questions and answers

### How did cotton futures close on Wednesday?

Cotton futures ended mixed, with front-month contracts rising 15 to 21 points while deferred delivery months fell between 2 and 35 points.

### What is the current progress of the U.S. cotton harvest?

The U.S. cotton harvest is 31% complete, running 2 percentage points ahead of the normal pace, with crop conditions improving to 34% good to excellent.