1448 EDT [Dow Jones] - Cotton futures plunged the limit Wednesday on
profit-taking driven by lower Chinese prices and India's announcement it will
export cotton. India said yesterday it would not ban exports, providing
much-needed global supplies and alleviating fears of a massive shortage. That
led to lower prices in China ahead of its week long holiday starting Oct. 1.
Traders followed suit throughout the day, cashing in after a month that saw
cotton prices surge to historic levels. ICE December futures--the most active
contract--settled 4 cents, or 3.8%, lower at $1.0124 a pound.