Shares halted after apparent early release

Gap Inc. shares were halted Thursday morning after it appeared to report its quarterly earnings results early.

The clothing retailer is scheduled to release second-quarter earnings after the market closes on Thursday. But Bloomberg News Agency reported A presentation summarizing the results appeared on Gap’s website this morning.

The earnings were not reflected on Gap’s website after the stock was halted trading just before 10 a.m. ET. Shares were down about 1% before trading was halted.

Gap did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

Gap’s earnings come as Chief Executive Richard Dixon, who took over last year, tries to lead a sales turnaround at the venerable retailer. The company showed early positive signs in the first quarter, when it posted comparable sales growth across all four of its brands — Gap, Banana Republic, Athleta and Old Navy.

Investors are watching a busy week of retail earnings for signs of whether consumer spending is slowing in the second half of the year. Dollar General Amazon Web Services Inc. shares fell Thursday morning after the retailer cut its sales and profit forecasts, citing in part “financially constrained” lower-income consumers.

both of them American Eagle Outfitters and Best Buy Amazon.com Inc. showed progress in boosting earnings when it reported its earnings on Thursday. But the clothing retailer gave a muted outlook for the second half, while the electronics giant is still working to return to sales growth.

lululemon and Ulta Beauty Results are also scheduled to be released after the bell on Thursday.

This story is under development. Please check back for updates.