Investors aren't too sure how to react to today's mixed news in the US

Investors aren't too sure how to react to today's mixed news in the US. The big headline in equities is the proposed Comcast (CMCSA) takeover of Time Warner Cable (TWC). Merger and acquisition activity is typically bullish for stocks, so a $45 billion deal is certainly creating some positive vibes. However, the economic news isn't so hot. Retail sales fell 0.4% in January, while December's sales number was revised down. Once again, weather is being blamed on the lackluster sales. Nevertheless, lower spending is lower spending, regardless of the reason, and it will take a toll on businesses. Not to mention, the East Coast is getting pounded by another massive storm as I write this (from the beautiful, sunny sanctuary of Arizona). Jobless claims also rose more than expected, although not by a substantial amount. Apparently, spring can't come soon enough.