Price Picture
Trend Picture
Notes
Nearby contract closed 111 points higher this week.
Managed money is net short.
Short-term, technical traders see possible support around 59.00, possible resistance around 61.00.
The trend is down.
Price
March-16 is at: 60.01 Volume = 4,764
May-16 is at: 59.54 Volume = 15,101
July-16 is at: 59.81 Volume = 4,096
Dec-16 is at: 59.56 Volume = 1,218
Cotlook ‘A’ Index is at: 66.60
Cash Sales
Most recently, on 9,989 bales traded, the trading platform TheSeam.com reported an average cash price of approximately: 54.60.
On May, that puts the average basis at approximately: -494 points.
Cash prices are averaging approximately 9.66 cents over loan value.
Stocks and Sales
ICE Certified Cotton Stocks = 60,463
US Net Upland Export Sales (2015/2016) = 308,800
(Vietnam was the big buyer at 137,400.)
Current World Balance Sheet (2015/2016)
Beginning Stocks: 112.17 (million 480 lb. bales)
Production: 101.38
Supply: 213.55
Mill Use: 110.60
Ending Stocks: 104.08
Ending Stocks/Mill Use Ratio: 94.1%
Current China Balance Sheet (2015/2016)
Beginning Stocks: 67.92 (million 480 lb. bales)
Production: 23.80
Imports – Exports: 4.8
Supply: 96.52
Mill Use: 32.00
Ending Stocks: 64.52
Ending Stocks/Mill Use Ratio: 201.6%
Current India Balance Sheet (2015/2016)
Beginning Stocks: 13.49 (million 480 lb. bales)
Production: 27.80
Imports – Exports: -4.8
Supply: 36.49
Mill Use: 24.50
Ending Stocks: 11.99
Ending Stocks/Mill Use Ratio: 48.9%
Current USA Balance Sheet (2015/2016)
Beginning Stocks: 3.7 (million 480 lb. bales)
Production: 12.94
Imports – Exports: -9.49
Supply: 7.15
Mill Use: 3.60
Ending Stocks: 3.60
Ending Stocks/Mill Use Ratio: 100.0%
Commitments of Traders
Producer / Merchant
Long: 32,767 (Contracts)
Short: 72,307
Swap Dealers
Long: 52,636
Short: 5,208
Managed Money
Long: 47,139
Short: 51,009
Other Reportables
Long: 22,612
Short: 22,709
Dec. Cotton Price Model: 54.9 cents
A regression model, like the one located here can give insight into how prices, on average, would react given a change in one or more fundamental supply or demand factors. A proper interpretation of this price model would be:
“Over the last number of years, if cotton supply and demand were at their current levels, we would – on average – expect the US price of cotton to be approximately: X cents.”
*Note* – This model does not attempt to forecast the future direction or level of cotton prices.
General View
Bearish.
Keep in mind that while this is a weekly letter, I can easily change my mind in 24 hours.
Click Here to Read: “10 Points on the ICE Cotton #2 Chart (CT) – Week Ending 2/19/2016“
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*This is for informational purposes only, and not a recommendation to buy or sell.
There is substantial risk of loss to futures and options trading.
Past performance may not be indicative of future results.
One should carefully consider their financial suitability prior to trading futures or options.
