Market Snapshot: U.S. stocks close lower after weaker-than-expected housing data

Major U.S. stock benchmarks closed lower Tuesday as enthusiasm centered on a strong round of earnings from major retailers, including Dow components Home Depot Inc. and Walmart Inc., appeared to wane late in the session.

Major U.S. stock benchmarks closed lower Tuesday as enthusiasm centered on a strong round of earnings from major retailers, including Dow components Home Depot Inc. and Walmart Inc., appeared to wane late in the session.