Summary: Stocks fell in midday trading Thursday after investors were disappointed by the lack of action by the European Central Bank. The ECB said they would wait until next year before making any more moves to stimulate the economy. Retailers are having a rough session on weak earnings. Sears (SHLD) is lower after reporting a loss, even though it was less than what analysts were expecting. Teen retailers are sharply lower. Express (EXPR) and Guess (GES) are down after missing estimates. Aeropostale (ARO) is losing more than 25% after posting an adjusted loss of $0.45 a share in Q3 and reporting falling sales. Microsoft (MSFT) is providing a bright spot. The tech giant is gaining as plans to end its Nook partnership with Barnes and Noble (BKS) gets underway. Microsoft is also higher after a price target boost from Nomura. Barnes and Noble is down almost 10%, the stock is getting pressured by weak quarterly results.
