Cotton futures are off to a weaker start this week after struggling to hold above a minor support level.

December cotton traded about 0.20 cents higher to 66.25 cents by the afternoon on Wednesday. Prices recovered slightly after trading 0.50 cents lower on Tuesday. Prices held above the 66-cent support level.

An acceleration to the downside on higher open interest and volume signals further potential weakness for the cotton market.

U.S. crop conditions have been relatively good for much of the growing season, while demand has been muted by the lack of sales to China.

U.S. cotton ratings declined three percent last week, with 51 percent of the crop in good-to-excellent condition. Ratings were still higher than the 44 percent good-to-excellent seen the same week last year.

Weather remains favorable for cotton filling in the Southeast and Texas. Twenty-eight percent of the crop had setting bolls, which is seven percent behind last year.

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PAST PERFORMANCE IS NOT INDICATIVE OF FUTURE RESULTS. FUTURES TRADING INVOLVES SUBSTANTIAL RISK AND IS NOT SUITABLE FOR ALL INVESTORS.