Why Target and Lowe's Cast a Shadow Over the Consumer Economy Wednesday

Stock markets moved sharply higher on Tuesday, but they weren't able to sustain that upward momentum heading into Wednesday morning's trading. S&P 500 (SNPINDEX: ^GSPC) futures had dropped 29 points to 4,056, while Nasdaq Composite (NASDAQINDEX: ^IXIC) futures were lower by 132 points to 12,429. Target (NYSE: TGT) delivered the most uncomfortable surprise for shareholders, but home improvement company Lowe's (NYSE: LOW) wasn't able to provide much reassurance.