Stocks plunge anew as retail sales show steep drop

Volatility has returned to Wall Street, as investors show concern after the release of some disappointing economic numbers.

The Dow Jones industrials finished more than 700 points lower.

The government's report that retail sales plunged in September by 1.2 percent - almost double the 0.7 percent drop analysts expected - made it clear that consumers are reluctant to spend amid a shaky economy and a punishing stock market. And the economy cannot grow unless consumers are spending.

And there's a new warning today from Fed Chairman Ben Bernanke that the economy won't recover quickly, even if the financial markets stabilize.