Stocks Mixed Ahead of Fed Minutes; Target Lowers Guidance

U.S. stocks turned mixed Wednesday as investors awaited the minutes of the Federal Reserve's July meeting. Target (TGT) - Get Report reported second quarter earnings of $1.23 a share, beating estimates of $1.12. The company lowered its full-year earnings guidance. It now expects full-year profit between $4.80-$5.20 a share, compared to a previously expected $5.20-$5.40 a share. Lowe's Companies  (LOW) - Get Report posted second quarter profit of $1.31 a share, falling short of the $1.42 analysts had expected. Revenue rose 5.3 percent to $18.3 billion, missing estimates of $18.44 billion. Same store sales grew 2 percent, while analysts were looking for a 4.1 percent increase. Staples (SPLS) shares slipped after the retailer posted a quarterly loss of $0.12 a share and comparable store sales dipped 4 percent. The company was faced with higher costs in its second quarter, including the $250 million it had to pay Office Depot (ODP) - Get Report for a failed merger. TheStreet's Scott Gamm reports from Wall Street.