Retail reports indicate US consumers continue to spend but are under pressure.
Walmart (WMT.N) on Thursday posted its slowest sales-growth in more than six
years, citing a drag from its pharmacy business; the company said overall
spending remains relatively stable while shoppers prioritize higher-value items.
Target and Home Depot also reported sales gains and described demand as
resilient when price and product match. Walmart CFO John Rainey said customers
are making trade-offs, buying fewer items per trip, and that rising fuel costs
have increased pressure versus earlier in the year.
