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 it

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.