The lint prices stood firm during moderate trading session. Around 2,700 bales changed hands. The Karachi Cotton Association (KCA) spot rate remained intact at Rs 8,800 per maund with forward deals for better lint in focus. The buyers in Sindh and Punjab stations remained eager for quality lint while deals for second grade of cotton changed hands between leading buyers and sellers on premium price around Rs 8,725 per maund. The second grade of lint for blending purpose would remain in higher demand along with growing demand for better grades of lint on slightly higher price by the textile sector. Slow pace of seed cotton arrival kept activity of ginning sector dull while forward deals matured at around Rs 8,675 per maund to Rs 8,700 per maund. The depleting better quality of lint slowed down activity and lowered volumes however demand would entice buyers to pay premium price after some trading sessions. Ginners withholding fine lint were steadfast and are not seemed to bow down before the buyers’ offers, as they were confident for price that would not go below spot rate. Domestic buyers have started accepting a bit higher prices as the leading buyers made forward deals at around Rs 8,875 per maund. Ginners of Punjab remained reluctant offering quality cotton to buyers below Rs 9,000 per maund while ginners of Sindh offered raw lint to the buyers around Rs 6,000 per maund, depending on trash level. Around 200 bales of Multan changed hands at Rs 8,750 per maund, 200 bales of Shujaabad at Rs 8,650 per maund, 200 bales of Bahawalpur at Rs 8,800 per maund and about 200 bales of southern Punjab at Rs 8,975 per maund Last night New York December Futures 2018 contract closed at around 84 cents per pound, March Futures 2019 contract at 84.10 cents per pound and Cotlook A Index was hovering around 88 cents per pound. Published in Daily Times, December 15th 2018.