U.S. stocks stumble on growth concerns, corporate earnings – VRNG, NFLX, AA, GRPN, VVUS

It was a weak trading session in the markets on Monday, with very little drivers for the stocks to move forward.

Investors are looking at the prospects of poor corporate earnings in the United States, while growth in Asia doesn't seem too robust. There are very few reasons why investors should buy into shares at this juncture.

The Dow Jones Industrial Average(INDEXDJX:.DJI) gave up 26.50 points to close at 13,583.65 points Monday. The S&P 500(INDEXSP:.INX) fell 5.05 points to 1,455.88 and the NASDAQComposite(INDEXNASDAQ:.IXIC) lost 23.84 points to 3,112.35.

The companies that lost the most on Monday were those that are heavily dependent on U.S. economic growth were among the biggest losers on Monday. Intel fell 17 cents to $22.51. Home Depot fell $1.32 to $61.88 and Walt Disney lost 64 cents to $52.33.

According to Wall Street estimates companies in the S&P 500 index are expected to post an overall decline in profits for the first time in 11 quarters.

Third-quarter earnings will kick off on Tuesday with that of aluminium maker Alcoa Inc.(NYSE:AA).

While U.S. stocks are still holding on to their gains, there is a fear element creeping in as to whether the rally seen has come on too fast.

The Dow has gained 11 percent so far this year while the S&P 500 has risen nearly 16 percent. Though there has been some correction since the highs reached earlier this year, the markets are in much better fettle than they were in when the year started.

On Monday, the World Bank issued a warning saying that a more pronounced slowdown in China was possible. It also cut the overall growth rate forecast for developing countries in the Asian continent.

Notable Stock Movers:

Vringo, Inc.(NYSEAMEX:VRNG) extended its past week gain and rose another 19.60% the company has decided to sue another company for patent infringement as on Monday the company said it was suing the UK subsidiary of ZTE Corporation   for infringement.  

Will VRNG Hit $10 Before The case Date? Find Out here

It further said “The filing of this action in the United Kingdom is an initial step in Vringo’s global licensing and enforcement program in the telecommunications sector.”

Last week was a win situation for VRNG as A federal judge provided good results for the company and signaled Google to conduct settlement talks with Vringo this week ahead of an Oct. 16 trial date.

Netflix, Inc.(NASDAQ:NFLX) soared 10.50% after Scott Devitt at Morgan Stanley decided to rerate the stock upwardly and now rate the stock at Overweight, from its Equal Weight earlier.

Groupon Inc(NASDAQ:GRPN) jumped for the third straight session ahead of the company’s earnings this week. The stock has gained over 15% in the past one week.

VIVUS, Inc.(NASDAQ:VVUS) saw an impressive buying the final hour and rose over 10% after Bloomberg Industries claims the prescription insurer payment rate for the company's Qsymia obesity drug rose 500 bps to 36% in its second week of availability. Vivus had previously suggested the initial coverage rate would be minimal. Also, Vivus has added Express Scripts to Qsymia's home delivery pharmacy network. Qsymia, the first FDA-approved once daily combination therapy and the first new medication available in 13 years for the treatment of obesity, was made available September 17.