<h1>Stock Market Drops Amid Banking Stock Weakness and Investor Caution Before Inflation Reports</h1> Stock market indices experienced significant volatility with major benchmarks declining due to weakness in leading banking stocks and investor caution ahead of upcoming domestic and international inflation reports. The primary market index fell by over 368 points, reflecting a nearly half-percent drop, while the secondary benchmark also decreased by approximately 0.4 percent. Key financial and industrial firms were among the underperformers, whereas select technology and automotive companies recorded gains. Foreign institutional investors divested substantial equity holdings, contributing to market pressure. Global markets showed mixed performance, with some Asian indices closing higher and others lower, and European markets trading unevenly. Oil prices saw a slight increase. The market's direction remains uncertain as participants await geopolitical developments and economic data releases.