Trading at lint market remained lackluster as majority of stakeholders remained on holiday mood, fibre traders said. The ginning activities at ginneries in Sindh and Punjab stations remained near zero as workforce of ginning units has already left for their respective native places to celebrate Eid-ul-Azha. However grade-selective forward deals changed hands at some stations of Punjab and Sindh. Market would become active after Eid holidays, floor brokers said. Buyers made forward online deals on slightly higher price for better and second grade of lint. The market buying-interest sentiments would push general prices in green zone on next opening trading session. Weak ginners with raw grades remained on sidelines, traders said. The Karachi Cotton Association (KCA) kept the spot rate at Rs 8,100 per maund. Floor brokers said buyers would likely to make deals for all grades besides deals for better and second grade of lint for blending purpose after resumption of firm trading. Most of the forward deals changed hands at around Rs 7,975 per maund to Rs 8,100 per maund during the thin trading session. A senior trader, Ghulam Rabbani said leading buyers would consolidate their long positions and make deals for second grade on paying premium price. The shrinking fine lint would put general price in firm zone and buyers have to show their interest making forward deals on slightly higher price at around Rs 8,125 per maund in Sindh and Punjab stations. The private sector commercial exporters also remained on sidelines while forward deals for a month period also change hands. According to KCA, earlier matured deals of 100 bales of southern Punjab changed hands at Rs 7,975 per maund, 100 bales of Hyderabad at Rs 7,950 per maund, 100 bales of upper Sindh at Rs 8,075 per maund and 100 bales of Sanghar at Rs 8,100 per maund changed hands. New York Cotton October Future 2018 contract closed at 85.06 cents per pound, December Futures 2018 contract at 85.15 cents per pound and Cotlook A Index was hovering at 93 cents per pound. Published in Daily Times, August 21st 2018.