Cotton futures closed higher on Friday, May 2, 2026, extending the week’s gains. Contracts rose 89 to 199 points, with July cotton up 483 points for the week and December up 398 points.
The US dollar index gained $0.146 to $98.065. Crude oil fell $2.57 to $102.50 per barrel.
Also read: Corn Futures End Week Higher on Export Data
Managed Money Boosts Net Long Position
Managed money added 3,891 contracts to their net long position in cotton futures and options in the week ending April 28. That brought the total to 38,355 contracts, according to Barchart data.
This suggests speculative interest in cotton remains strong. Industry watchers note that the rally has been supported by a combination of dollar weakness and supply concerns.
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Export Sales Data Lags USDA Projection
Export commitments stand at 10.691 million running bales. That is 2% below last year’s total for this time. It also represents 95% of the USDA export projection, lagging the 102% five-year average sales pace.
The implication is that demand may be softening slightly compared to historical patterns. But the market is still absorbing supply at a steady rate.
Cash Market and Certified Stocks
The Seam reported 5,415 bales sold on April 30 at an average price of 73.63 cents per pound. The Cotlook A Index fell 50 points on April 30 to 89.05 cents.
ICE certified cotton stocks increased by 1,585 bales on Thursday, reaching 167,266 bales. The Adjusted World Price rose 40 points on Thursday afternoon to 65.66 cents per pound.
Price Levels
Here are the closing prices for key cotton contracts on Friday:
| Contract | Close (cents/lb) | Change |
|---|---|---|
| May 2026 | 81.85 | +199 points |
| July 2026 | 84.19 | +199 points |
| December 2026 | 84.56 | +169 points |
Data from Barchart shows the rally has been broad-based across the curve.
What This Means for Farmers and Traders
The sustained rally offers some relief for growers after a period of price volatility. But the lagging export pace compared to the five-year average could cap further upside.
For traders, the managed money positioning suggests continued bullish sentiment. However, the market remains sensitive to changes in the dollar and crude oil prices.
USDA data on export sales and crop progress will be closely watched in the coming weeks for further direction.
This article was produced with AI assistance and reviewed by our editorial team for accuracy and quality.
