US blue chips index dropped on Tuesday despite positive US labour market data; unemployment claims dropped much more than expected last week. Meanwhile, oil and gas companies followed bearish trend after crude oil price tumbled over 1% in the US morning trade. Exxon sank 0.31% while Chevron managed to cover early losses and close 0.17% higher. On the upside, Merck & Co soared 4.13% after news that trial of clinical study of an osteoporosis treatment met efficacy goals. Financials declined by 1.31%, with Bank after America and JPMorgan Chase & Co falling 1.98% and 1.59%. Technology stocks continued to decline on recent profit warnings. Intel Corp and Microsoft Corp sank 2.56% and 2.29%.