The article reports a significant decline in stock markets, with cotton being heavily impacted, experiencing a more severe sell-off due to weak demand in the physical market. The fall became more pronounced after losing 80 cents per pound. The industry is expressing frustration due to the market downturn. Despite subdued demand, it remains active, with Pakistan being the only buyer of new harvests, leading to a squeeze in the premium over stock prices, which is now below 10 cents over Dec '22 prices. The dollar's strength has not been enough to offset the stock market's rout.