14:59 EDT - Cotton ticked lower in very thin trade, roughly half of 2012's average daily volume. Analysts say the market is likely looking ahead to next week's USDA supply/demand report, which isn't expected to be bullish for prices. Citi's Sterling Smith expects some US production declines due to "rain issues here and there," but he also expects exports to be down on weak European demand due to the ongoing economic crisis there. ICE cotton futures for December delivery settled 0.8% lower at 71.49c/lb.