Verizon Dials into AOL for Possible Takeover, Stocks Effort Comeback

U.S. stocks were hoping to recover from Monday's big losses at Tuesday's opening bell. The oil drama is continuing to unfold. Crude prices are extending their drop and hit below $50 on oversupply concerns. Investors will get a more solid handle on the inventory when the Energy Information Administration releases its figures Wednesday. Shares of AOL (AOL) are sharply higher in early trading on rumors it has been approached by Verizon (VZ) for a possible takeover or a joint venture. On the M&A front, accessories retailer Coach (COH) is buying luxury shoemaker Stuart Weitzman. The deal is valued at as much as $574 million.