Aeropostale Sees Eleventh Quarterly Loss; Stock Volatility Eases

Aeropostale (ARO) reported its eleventh consecutive quarterly loss. The teen retailer offered heavy discounts to clear inventory over the quarter and has focused on closing shop on unprofitable stores. Stocks traded in a narrow range for the first time this week as volatility eased following a two-day rally. Big swings have been characteristic of this week's trading with gains or losses of more than 1% since Monday. Big Lots (BIG) jumped as comparable store sales climbed for their sixth straight quarter in a row. Quarterly profit and revenue beat analysts' estimates. Freeport-McMoRan (FCX) surged after activist investor Carl Icahn disclosed a new stake of 17.6 million shares.