The BSE benchmark Sensex dropped sharply by 384 points in early trade today, extending its losses for the fourth straight session. The BSE benchmark Sensex resumed higher at 17,925, but later it dropped sharply to a low of 17,314 before quoting at 17,486 at 1015 hours, showing a sharp loss of 2.15 per cent, from its last close. The NSE's 50-share Nifty index also fell by over 126 points to 5,239.80 at 1015 hours. Market experts said the trading sentiment remained bearish on concerns of rising interest rates and reports of lower advance tax collections by the government. Asian stocks were mixed early today. The key benchmark indices in Japan, Indonesia, Hong Kong and Singapore, rose by between 0.2 per cent to 0.53 per cent. However, the key indices in China, South Korea and Taiwan fell by between 0.08 per cent to 0.88 per cent.