Stocks fall after weak retail data

Stock indexes closed lower today, a third straight decline, after US retailers issued weak forecasts for earnings and more people filed claims for unemployment benefits.

Wal-Mart, Ross Stores and Limited Brands, the owner of Victoria’s Secret, all fell after issuing forecasts that disappointed financial analysts. Wal-Mart fell 2.59 dollars, or 3.6%, to 68.72 dollars.