Retail sales numbers drop...

The news that April retail sales numbers were lower than predicted had an affect on the stock market, driving prices down. What caused the greatest concern was the UBS-International Council of Shopping Centers sales tally of 53 stores which posted a decline of 2.4 percent, that is the largest drop since the index started tracking the data back in 1970. The tally is based on same-store sales or sales at stores open at least a year, which are considered a key indicator of retailers' health. The Dow dropped 150 points, when these numbers were reported today.