Sears Pops on REIT Plans as Stocks Effort to Recover From Their Lows

Stocks were off their lows at Wednesday's midday trading after dropping on weak economic data. The energy sector led the markets. Walmart (WMT) traded lower as it hosted a meeting for investors. The world’s largest retailer also put more pressure on suppliers to cut their prices, according to the Wall Street Journal. Airlines got hit hard after a downgrade from Deutsche Bank to a HOLD from BUY. Delta (DAL), United Continental (UAL) and American Airlines (AAL) all gave up about 4%. Sears (SHLD) popped on its REIT plans. The department store is partnering with General Growth Properties and hopes to raise more than $2.5 billion from shareholders.