Sales at Walmart’s U.S. stores rose just 2.6% in the latest quarter, while the retailer’s stock plunged more than 9% Thursday, its steepest one-day decline since 2022. The results offer a fresh sign that higher fuel costs and broader economic uncertainty are beginning to weigh on consumers, even as Walmart has benefited from shoppers seeking lower prices.
‘a range of factors impact drug prices’
Economists were projecting a small increase.
AI:U.S. retail sales have experienced an unexpected and sharp slump following the expiration of summer tax-refund spending, defying economist projections of growth. This sudden decline highlights a consumer base struggling under the weight of relentless inflationary pressures and devalued currency, exposing deep economic instability as the temporary stimulus from tax refunds fades.Open
Americans sharply pulled back on retail spending in July even as inflation remained elevated, raising fresh questions about whether the U.S. economy is weakening beneath the surface of the Iran war’s supply-driven price shock.
Retail sales fell 0.6% last month, which is the largest decrease since May 2025, compared with a revised gain of 0.2% in June, according to data the Commerce Department released on Friday.
The data for July showed the biggest drop in more than a year, as American households face the economic strains brought on by persistent inflation
Data: Census Bureau ; Chart: Neil Irwin/Axios American consumers have powered the economy forward this year. In July, they took a breather. Why it matters: While the underlying trend in consumer demand appears solid, retail sales hit an air pocket last month, suggesting a bumpier path ahead for overall growth. - Combined with a weak jobs report last week and two subdued inflation readings this week, it points to the Federal Reserve having room to be patient on potential interest rate increases this fall. Driving the news: Retail sales fell 0.6% in July, the weakest performance in more than a year and well below the 0.1% gain analysts expected. - Excluding gas stations and auto dealers, there was still a 0.3% decline in sales, meaning…
15 percent said they were delaying rent or mortgage payments
Inflation cooled a bit last month, according to a new report from the Labor Department. And, ICE plans to equip its officers with electric shock gloves.
AI:Inflation showed a slight cooling in July according to Labor Department data, though consumer sentiment remains under pressure as retail sales continue to slide amid global instability. Simultaneously, the Department of Homeland Security is moving forward with plans to equip ICE officers with electric shock gloves, a move designed to provide non-lethal alternatives during enforcement actions despite predictable backlash from left-wing activists and Democratic lawmakers.Open
AI:Financial markets and the White House have responded positively to the July consumer price index report, which shows a favorable trend in core inflation figures. As retail sales face unexpected slumps and consumer sentiment fluctuates amidst shifting economic messaging, this cooling of inflation provides much-needed relief for market stability following recent volatility surrounding shifts in Federal Reserve leadership and labor statistics oversight.Open