Walmart (WMT.N) top executive said U.S. Q2 brick-and-mortar comparable-store sales fell in the low single digits.

1. Downplaying the Importance of the Strait of Hormuz —Trump stated that the U.S. is building a record number of oil pipelines to reduce its dependence on the Strait of Hormuz. As more alternative supply routes emerge and the U.S. strengthens its control over the strait, its importance will decline. 2. Reiterating Urges Interest Rate Cuts, Praising Warsh's Work—Trump: He strongly desires lower interest rates and believes Federal Reserve Chairman Warsh has performed exceptionally well. 3. Further Tightening Immigration Benefits; Some Tax Credits May Be Cancelled —The Trump administration is taking further steps to restrict immigrants' eligibility for reimbursable portions of four tax credits designed to help students, workers, and families. The proposed restrictions will not only cover undocumented immigrants but also some immigrants with approved work permits in the U.S. 4. Meeting Kim Jong-un Later This Year—U.S. President Trump told reporters at the White House on the 19th that he expects to meet with North Korean leader Kim Jong-un later this year. 5. Announces the Toughest Economic Action in History Against Iran —Trump stated that Iran failed to seize the opportunity to reach an agreement, therefore he announced the "toughest economic action ever taken against any country" against Iran. Any country that allows its financial institutions, businesses, airports, or government entities to provide support to Iran will face significant economic consequences. 6. Says Americans Don't Need to Worry About the Bond Market – Trump stated that Americans don't need to worry about bond market volatility. "No, I don't think so, because like I said, despite interest rate factors, our country is still in very good shape." 7. Discusses the Possibility of Resuming Negotiations with Iran Trump told the media that negotiations with Iran might resume at some point, but Iran must completely abandon its nuclear weapons. Trump said, "Maybe at some point. But right now, I think the situation is very good." 8. Reaffirms Complete Control Over the Strait Trump stated that many ships passed through the Strait of Hormuz last night, and we have complete control over the strait. However, the flow of oil through the Strait of Hormuz will not be completely smooth. When all this is over, oil prices will drop sharply. 9. On Sanctions Against Iran: Bessant Isn't Just for Show – Trump hinted that US Treasury Secretary Bessant might introduce major sanctions against Iran this week, saying, "Bessant isn't just for show." 10. Potential to Reduce Canadian Auto Import Tariffs from 25% to 15% —According to sources familiar with the matter, the Trump administration is preparing to reduce tariffs on Canadian auto imports from 25% to 15%. Under the agreement, Canada will remove retaliatory trade measures imposed on the United States.

Walmart (WMT.N) reported that its U.S. stores saw comparable sales growth of 2.6% in the second quarter, excluding fuel, compared to market expectations of 3.67%.