At the stock markets, the Sensex at the Bombay Stock Exchange dropped 186 points, or 0.5 per cent, to trade at 39,571, a short while ago.

The Nifty at the National Stock Exchange fell 55 points, to 11,851.

At the forex market, the rupees depreciated 8 paise, to 69.43 to a dollar. in intra-day deals.