Investing.com - A better-than-expected earnings report from retailer Dillard's was outweighed by disappointing numbers from Home Depot as investors worry the slowing real estate market could start to hit other areas of the economy.
Dillard's (NYSE:DDS) jumped 18% in midday trading after it reported earnings per share of $3.22 on $2.06 billion revenue, compared to the $2.66 EPS expected.
The company’s fourth-quarter earnings were a bright spot in an otherwise stumbling sector as retailers struggle to gain customers online.
Meanwhile, Home Depot (NYSE:HD) fell 2.3% after its earnings were lower than forecasts, as a weak real estate sector dragged on the company's numbers. Housing starts fell to a two-year low in December as greater uncertainty over the economic outlook in the U.S. caused a sharp decline in investment.
Elsewhere, Lowe’s (NYSE:LOW) dipped 1.1%, while Foot Locker (NYSE:FL) slipped 1.8% and Target (NYSE:TGT) fell 1.7%.