The market is now showing a tendency to sell off and lose daily gains as the trading day ends. It’s really doing nothing more than still trying to pick its top.

The cotton bull made another impressive stand on the past week, as cotton prices continue to hold in the upper one-third of its historical price range.

Four factors are driving the new crop strength and outlook for cotton in 2017.

Two things to keep in mind: If you like the price enough to plant cotton, then like the price enough to sell some of it. And, December futures are expected to move 10-15 cents lower.

The March WASDE report for cotton shows incremental increases in estimated U.S. production and exports based on current market conditions, while global consumption and stocks remain, on average, virtually unchanged.

The cotton bull, with freshly sharpened and longer horns, has broken out and is trying to push old crop May and July contracts above 80 cents.

Dr. O.A. Cleveland praises U.S. cotton exports, muses about USDA predictions and calculations, and ponders the role of Better Cotton Initiative in the U.S.

Dr. O.A. Cleveland believes growers should price at least 50% of their anticipated 2017 crop now with the December ICE contract above 74 cents.

The 2017 cotton market appears to be on increasingly stable and improved economic footing compared to 2016.

According to NCC economists, several key questions will shape the 2017 economic outlook for the U.S. cotton industry.

Cotton futures continue to hold tight to the 75-76 cent level, thanks to ever-increasing demand, mill indecision and shrinking world carryover.

The February WASDE report for cotton shows increases in U.S. export numbers, slightly higher consumption forecasts, and lower ending stocks for both the U.S. and global markets.

Titanic bullishness has captured the cotton market, providing opportunities for nearby cotton futures prices to top 78 cents.

The narrow three cent trading range – 72.50 to 75.50 cents – remains in play, but pressure is building for cotton prices to move higher. Maybe Jon Bon Jovi’s new line of denim jeans will help.

The market consolidated gains of the past few weeks, just as The Limited – a primary supplier of cotton to women – closes its doors.

March futures have improved, and January is looking like a good month. The big question and the uncertainty is whether or not this will last.

From now likely into the mid-March trading period, the very bullish call sales ratio will continue to carry the ball for the bulls.

Prices reached a five-month high, as cotton demand flexed its muscles and pushed the market up.

The 70-73 cent price range remains very firm, with a good chance that the market could drift into the mid-70s.

U.S. export sales continue to lead trading. But conditions are growing for a potential “explosive fire” under the market.