Stocks opened higher after Wal-Mart hit its earnings target but a pair of economic reports that missed expectations curbed gains.

Futures pointed lower after a pair of economic reports came in worse than expected. Wal-Mart Stores reported earnings in line with expectations.

Stocks lost more than 2% Wednesday as bank shares continued to struggle and retail sales unexpectedly fell for a second straight month.

Stocks declined Wednesday as bank shares continued to struggle and retail sales unexpectedly fell for a second straight month. A brief reprieve after the business-inventories report and comments from President Obama fizzled.

Stocks pared their losses Wednesday after a report showed business inventories shrunk at a slower pace and remarks from President Obama on health-care reform.  Still, stocks remained under pressure as bank shares continued to struggle and retail sales unexpectedly fell for a second straight month.

Stock index futures indicated a lower opening for Wall Street Monday, as bank shares continued to struggle and investors looked for guidance on the strength of the economy from retail sales numbers.

Stocks shed 1.8 percent Monday as investors took a breather after last week's run. The Nasdaq's drop was less severe as techs gained.

Stocks retreated Monday as investors took a breather after last week's run. The Dow was down over 100 points in the first few minutes of trading as banks declined.

Following last week's gains, stock index futures indicated a lower open for the stocks Monday as investors remained concerned about the health of the financial system as the stress-test hype wears off.