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Walmart

Walmart serves as a leading retailer in the United States, with its strategy predicated on superior operating efficiency and offering the lowest priced goods to consumers to drive robust store traffic and product turnover. Walmart augmented its low-price business strategy by offering a convenient one-stop shopping destination with the opening of its first supercenter in 1988.Today, Walmart operates over 4,600 stores in the United States (5,200 including Sam's Club) and over 10,000 locations globally. Walmart generated over $460 billion in domestic namesake sales in fiscal 2025, with Sam's Club contributing another $90 billion to the company's top line. Internationally, Walmart generated $120 billion in sales. The retailer serves around 270 million customers globally each week.

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Mark Cuban is urging Americans to stock up on essentials—everything from toothpaste to soap—before prices rise even more.
In a Bluesky <a href="https://bsky.app/profile/mcuban.bsky.social/post/3llucjq4wkc2h">post</a> on Wednesday, the billionaire investor and entrepreneur wrote, &#8220;It&#8217;s not a bad idea to go to the local Walmart or big box retailer and buy lots of consumables now. From toothpaste to soap, anything you can find storage space for, buy before they have to replenish inventory. Even if it&#8217;s made in the USA, they will jack up the price and blame it on tariffs.&#8221;
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Prices Could Rise Quickly</h2>
Cuban&#8217;s warning comes just as President Donald Trump&#8217;s <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/25/04/44621408/market-access-has-a-price-trump-unveils-list-of-tariffs-countries-targeted">new round of sweeping tariffs</a> begins to take effect. The tariffs target trading partners including China, Vietnam and Sri Lanka, with duties ranging from 34% to 46%, starting April 9. Trump calls it a &#8220;Declaration of Economic Independence.&#8221;
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500" data-dnt="true">Monstrously destructive, incoherent, ill-informed tariffs based on fabrications, imagined wrongs, discredited theories and ignorance of decades of evidence. And the real tragedy is that they will hurt working Americans more than anyone else.
&mdash; Justin Wolfers (@JustinWolfers) <a href="https://twitter.com/JustinWolfers/status/1907548227798274400?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 2, 2025</a></blockquote>
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<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/equities/25/04/44620423/trumps-sweeping-tariffs-could-cost-us-20-trillion-crash-markets-warn-economists-monstrously-destructive">Economists warn</a> that the damage could be severe. &#8220;Monstrously destructive, incoherent, ill-informed tariffs based on fabrications&#8221; is how University of Michigan professor Justin Wolfers <a href="https://x.com/JustinWolfers/status/1907548227798274400">described</a> the plan on X.&nbsp;
Trending: It&#8217;s no wonder Jeff Bezos holds over $250 million in art — <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/masterworks">this alternative asset has outpaced the S&amp;P 500 since 1995, delivering an average annual return of 11.4%. Here&#8217;s how everyday investors are getting started.</a>
Former Treasury Secretary Larry Summers <a href="https://x.com/LHSummers/status/1907603078909432312">said</a> the economic damage could reach $20 trillion—or more than $200,000 per U.S. household—pointing out that the <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/25/04/44622754/tariffs-are-most-expensive-and-masochistic-could-cost-30-trillion-to-the-economy-erasing-300k-per-family-explains-former-treasury-secretary-larry-summers">stock market lost</a> about $1.5 trillion in value immediately after Trump's announcement.&nbsp;
"As the president spoke, the value of all US stocks fell at least 2 to 3 percent. Most of the losses to corporations were already discounted before the president spoke. So $4 trillion is a better estimate of stock market loss," Summers also <a href="https://x.com/LHSummers/status/1907603077160411317">said</a>.
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Who Can Afford To Stock Up</h2>
Cuban's post sparked a heated debate online. Some users said Costco Wholesale (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/COST#NASDAQ">COST</a>) instead of Walmart (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/WMT#NYSE">WMT</a>) or Target (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/TGT#NYSE">TGT</a>). But others pushed back, pointing out that not everyone can afford a Costco membership—or even stock up in the first place.
"Unfortunately, those who will be hit hardest by this are also the people who cannot buy extra to stock up," one user wrote. "This country abuses the crap out of the poor."
See Also: How do billionaires pay less in income tax than you?<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/tax-deferring-adv"> Tax deferring is their number one strategy</a>.
Another added, "Nor do they likely have room to store all these extra things that they can&#8217;t afford to buy."
Others raised concerns about hoarding. "Please, please, please do not encourage hoarding," one commenter said. "It's this kind of sh&#x2A;t that made people run out and buy 17,000 bottles of antibacterial soap."
Still, many agree prices are on the way up—and fast. The only question now is who can actually afford to prepare for it.
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COST

'Stock Up Now,' Says Mark Cuban. He Warns That Even American-Made Goods Will See Price Hikes Soon

Benzinga examined the prospects for <a href="http://www.benzinga.com/trading-ideas" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">many investors' favorite stocks</a> over the last week — here's a look at some of our top stories.
Wall Street reeled this week as President Donald Trump's new global tariffs and hawkish Fed signals rattled investors. The tariffs triggered broad selloffs, dragging the S&amp;P 500 to its worst weekly loss since the pandemic's onset in 2020.
Stocks tumbled Thursday and Friday, with tech and consumer names especially hard-hit, as traders braced for higher costs and retaliatory trade risks. Concerns mounted over how renewed trade tensions could disrupt supply chains and weigh on corporate margins.
At the same time, Federal Reserve officials signaled fewer rate cuts ahead, compounding fears and sending bond yields higher, further pressuring equities across sectors.
Benzinga provides daily reports on the stocks most popular with investors. Here are a few of this past week's most bullish and bearish posts that are worth another look.
The Bulls
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/25/04/44645277/why-is-ev-maker-mullen-automotive-stock-skyrocketing-today">"Why Is EV Maker Mullen Automotive Stock Skyrocketing Today?"</a>, by Shivani Kumaresan, reports that Mullen Automotive Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/MULN#NASDAQ">MULN</a>) shares surged over 80% after the EV maker secured a $50 million funding commitment and reaffirmed it won't pursue a reverse stock split.
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/earnings/25/04/44589883/why-cloudastructure-stock-is-soaring-tuesday">"Why Cloudastructure Stock Is Soaring Tuesday"</a>, by Adam Eckert, reports that Cloudastructure Inc. (OTC:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/CLOU#OTC">CLOU</a>) shares jumped over 40% after the company reported a 161% year-over-year revenue increase in its fiscal fourth quarter and a significantly narrowed net loss.
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/management/25/04/44597023/trumps-tariffs-could-spark-reshoring-boom-for-these-4-us-stocks">"Trump's Tariffs Could Spark Reshoring Boom For These 4 US Stocks"</a>, by Erica Kollman, explores how new U.S. tariffs and China's response could boost reshoring plays like Caterpillar Inc. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/CAT#NYSE">CAT</a>), Eaton Corp. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/ETN#NYSE">ETN</a>), General Electric Co. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/GE#NYSE">GE</a>), and Emerson Electric Co. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/EMR#NYSE">EMR</a>).
For additional bullish calls of the past week, check out the following:
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/equities/25/04/44634431/altimeters-brad-gerstner-builds-up-nvidia-stake-after-trump-tariffs-applauds-semiconductor-exception">Altimeter's Brad Gerstner Builds Up Nvidia Stake After Trump Tariffs, Applauds Semiconductor Exception</a>
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/trading-ideas/technicals/25/04/44610672/stock-of-the-day-will-johnson-johnson-rally-the-sell-off-may-have-ended">Stock Of The Day: Will Johnson &amp; Johnson Rally? The Sell-Off May Have Ended</a>
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/economics/macro-economic-events/25/04/44645518/strong-jobs-report-offers-hope-but-will-it-be-enough-to-counter-tariff-turmoil">Strong Jobs Report Offers Hope — But Will It Be Enough To Counter Tariff Turmoil?</a>
The Bears
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/25/04/44629275/nike-stock-is-tumbling-thursday-heres-why">"Nike Stock Is Tumbling Thursday: Here's Why"</a>, by Adam Eckert, reports that Nike Inc. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/NKE#NYSE">NKE</a>) shares fell after Citigroup downgraded the stock to Neutral, citing weak consumer demand in China and concerns about the company's long-term growth strategy.
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/offerings/25/04/44627275/lucid-stock-is-hitting-the-brakes-thursday-whats-driving-the-action">"Lucid Stock Is Hitting The Brakes Thursday: What's Driving The Action"</a>, by Adam Eckert, reveals that Lucid Group Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/LCID#NASDAQ">LCID</a>) shares dropped after the EV maker announced a $1 billion stock offering backed by Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund, raising dilution concerns among investors.
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/global/25/04/44632479/retail-stocks-slammed-as-trumps-tariff-plan-sends-shockwaves-through-sector">"Retail Stocks Slammed As Trump's Tariff Plan Sends Shockwaves Through Sector"</a>, by Erica Kollman, reports that the new tariffs triggered a selloff in major retailers including Nike Inc. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/NKE#NYSE">NKE</a>), Walmart Inc. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/WMT#NYSE">WMT</a>), and Target Corp. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/TGT#NYSE">TGT</a>) over fears of rising costs and inflation.
For more bearish takes, be sure to see these posts:
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/trading-ideas/technicals/25/04/44645278/coinbase-stock-drops-into-a-death-cross-will-xrp-futures-be-its-comeback-catalyst">Coinbase Stock Drops Into A Death Cross: Will XRP Futures Be Its Comeback Catalyst?</a>
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/government/regulations/25/04/44647678/nasdaq-100-enters-bear-market-dow-in-correction-territory-traders-await-fed-chair-powells-remarks">Nasdaq 100 Enters Bear Market, Dow In Correction Territory, Traders Await Fed Chair Powell's Remarks</a>
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/trading-ideas/movers/25/04/44618811/trump-tariffs-trigger-sell-off-on-holding-ast-spacemobile-lululemon-shopify-robinhood-tank">Trump Tariffs Trigger Sell-Off: On Holding, AST SpaceMobile, Lululemon, Shopify, Robinhood Tank</a>
Keep up with all the latest breaking news and trading ideas by following <a href="https://twitter.com/Benzinga" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Benzinga</a><a href="http://twitter.com/Benzinga" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> on X</a>.
Image created using artificial intelligence via Midjourney.

CLOU

LCID

MULN

Benzinga Bulls And Bears: Nike, Target, And Walmart Among Hardest-Hit Following Trump's 'Liberation Day' Tariffs

Klarna, a Swedish buy-now-pay-later (BNPL) company, has placed its long-anticipated U.S. public debut on hold, stepping back from its planned initial public offering due to growing market uncertainty triggered by fresh geopolitical tension.
The Swedish fintech firm was preparing to begin promoting its IPO to investors this week but decided to delay the process, citing recent turbulence following the Trump administration's announcement of new tariffs, the <a target="_blank" href="https://www.wsj.com/livecoverage/stock-market-tariffs-trade-war-04-04-2025/card/exclusive-klarna-pauses-planned-ipo-after-trump-tariff-turmoil-NMXYuKXzW6Xv4ao3CSxr?mod=WSJ_home_supertoppermiddle_lctimeline" rel="noreferrer noopener">Wall Street Journal</a> reports on Friday.
Klarna provides payment processing services for the e-commerce industry, managing store claims and customer payments.
Also Read: <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/25/04/44651259/asml-stock-hits-52-week-low-as-trumps-eu-tariffs-and-china-sanctions-weigh-on-outlook" rel="noreferrer noopener">Trump's EU Tariffs Impacts Chip Equipment Giant ASML, Stock Hits 52-Week Low</a>
On April 2, Trump announced reciprocal tariffs, including a 10% hike on all countries except Mexico and Canada, with&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/25/04/44634737/retailers-brace-for-higher-costs-as-us-tariff-rates-soar-says-goldman-sachs" rel="noreferrer noopener">higher rates for select nations with trade deficits.</a>
The new reciprocal <a target="_blank" href="http://While full reciprocity was floated, Trump said the plan would cap U.S. retaliation at 50% of what foreign nations charge. This includes non-monetary barriers — such as VAT taxes, product bans, subsidies, and technical restrictions — in tariff calculations. &quot;They manipulated their currencies, subsidized exports, stole our intellectual property, imposed exorbitant VAT taxes, and created filthy pollution havens,&quot; Trump said. For instance, Japan, which he said imposes tariffs as high as 46% on some goods, would now face U.S. duties of around 24%. India's 52% rate would translate to a 26% U.S. tariff. &quot;To all of the foreign presidents, prime ministers, kings, queens, ambassadors and everyone else who will soon be calling to ask for exemptions from these tariffs,&quot; he said, &quot;I say terminate your own tariffs. Drop your barriers. Don't manipulate your currencies,&quot; Trump said." rel="noreferrer noopener">tariff policy would impose duties on imports</a> from U.S. trading partners at a rate equal to half the tariffs those countries place on American products.
While full reciprocity was floated, Trump said the plan would cap U.S. retaliation at 50% of what foreign nations charge.
"To all of the foreign presidents, prime ministers, kings, queens, ambassadors and everyone else who will soon be calling to ask for exemptions from these tariffs, I say terminate your own tariffs. Drop your barriers. Don't manipulate your currencies," Trump said.
Jeremy Siegel, a finance professor emeritus at the Wharton School, <a target="_blank" href="https://in.benzinga.com/news/25/04/44648557/trumps-tariffs-could-be-worse-than-smoot-hawley-act-jeremy-siegel-tells-cnbc" rel="noreferrer noopener">delivered a stark warning today</a> regarding President Donald Trump's broad tariff policy, suggesting it could have even more severe consequences than the notorious Smoot-Hawley Tariff Act of 1930.
With this background, Klarna isn't the only firm pulling back. Online ticketing platform StubHub has similarly postponed its IPO marketing plans, the WSJ report said.
Klarna's plans included listing on the New York Stock Exchange with a target valuation of $15 billion.
Klarna's U.S. rival, Affirm Holdings Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AFRM#NASDAQ">AFRM</a>) shares declined 13% today, indicating pressure on Klarna's IPO pricing strategy.
It should be noted that Klarna announced a <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/25/03/44356051/affirm-holdings-stock-is-falling-monday-whats-going-on" rel="noreferrer noopener">partnership with the consumer finance app OnePay</a> to offer installment loan services exclusively for purchases at U.S. Walmart, a service that Affirm has provided so far.
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Photo by Poetra.RH via Shutterstock

Eurozone

IPOs

Tech

AFRM

Once A $15 Billion IPO Hope, Swedish Fintech Klarna Plans Daunted By Tariffs

Politics

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AMZN

Bytedance Says Any Pact To Be Subject To Approval Under Chinese Law; Says There Are Key Matters To Be Resolved

<a href="https://x.com/selinawangtv/status/1908199653545250986" title="https://x.com/selinawangtv/status/1908199653545250986">https://x.com/selinawangtv/status/1908199653545250986</a>

'Walmart is actively considering joining a group of investors to buy TikTok, sources close to the deal tell me, who say Walmart's interest was triggered by Amazon throwing their hat into the ring. Walmart was interested in buying TikTok back in 2020' -ABC Reporter On Twitter

U.S. markets plunged on Thursday, <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/government/regulations/25/04/44631916/wall-street-wipes-out-2-trillion-apple-eyes-worst-day-since-covid-19-pandemic-oil-plummets-whats-driving-markets-thursday">erasing $2 trillion in value</a>, as billionaire entrepreneur Mark Cuban warned consumers to stock up on everyday items before retailers use new tariffs to justify widespread price increases.
What Happened: &#8220;It&#8217;s not a bad idea to go to the local Walmart Inc. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/WMT#NYSE">WMT</a>) or big box retailer and buy lots of consumables now,&#8221; the Cost Plus Drugs co-founder wrote on Bluesky. &#8220;From toothpaste to soap, anything you can find storage space for, buy before they have to replenish inventory. Even if made in the USA, they will jack up the price and blame it on tariffs.&#8221;
Cuban&#8217;s warning comes as President Donald Trump&#8216;s sweeping reciprocal tariffs sent shockwaves through global markets. The S&amp;P 500, tracked by SPDR S&amp;P 500 ETF Trust (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/SPY#NYSE">SPY</a>), fell 4.93%. Technology giants were hit particularly hard, with Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AAPL#NASDAQ">AAPL</a>) down 9.25% and Amazon.com Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AMZN#NASDAQ">AMZN</a>) tumbling 8.98%.
The tariffs include a baseline 10% on all countries except Mexico and Canada, with higher rates for nations carrying trade deficits with the U.S. China&#8217;s tariff rate will jump to 54% from 20%. In comparison, Vietnam (46%), Indonesia (32%), Bangladesh (37%), and Cambodia (49%) also <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/25/04/44634737/retailers-brace-for-higher-costs-as-us-tariff-rates-soar-says-goldman-sachs">face significant increases</a>.
<figure class="wp-block-image aligncenter size-full"><img decoding="async" src="https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/04000954/Screenshot-2025-04-04-at-9.37.19%E2%80%AFAM.png" alt="" class="wp-image-856737" /></figure>
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Why It Matters: Evidence of economic stress appeared in the latest Institute for Supply Management report, which showed the Services Purchasing Managers&#8217; Index <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/government/regulations/25/04/44629640/us-services-sector-slows-sharply-as-hiring-drops-tariff-pressures-mount">falling sharply to 50.9% in March</a>, down from 53.5% in February and barely above the 50% threshold separating expansion from contraction. The employment component plunged to 46.2% from 53.9%, with 19.2% of respondents planning to reduce staffing.
Goldman Sachs analyst Brooke Roach noted apparel, footwear, and home furnishings will <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/25/04/44634737/retailers-brace-for-higher-costs-as-us-tariff-rates-soar-says-goldman-sachs">likely face the steepest cost</a> increases, with companies like RH (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/RH#NYSE">RH</a>) and Williams-Sonoma Inc. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/WSM#NYSE">WSM</a>) particularly vulnerable due to high sourcing exposure to Asia.
Billionaire investor Ray Dalio warned of &#8220;abrupt, unconventional changes&#8221; in global markets resulting from tariff escalation, predicting widespread stagflationary pressures as affected countries implement <a href="https://in.benzinga.com/25/04/44623855/billionaire-investor-ray-dalio-warns-of-abrupt-unconventional-changes-in-markets-heres-how-the-tariff-machine-affects-currency-monetary-and-fiscal-policies">retaliatory measures and central banks adjust monetary policy</a>.
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<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/personal-finance/25/04/44632423/kevin-o-leary-says-by-33-you-should-have-100000-saved-somewhere-thats-the-age-when-its-really-time-to-start-getting-focused" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Kevin O' Leary Says By 33, You Should Have $100,000 Saved ‘Somewhere' — ‘That's the Age When it's Really Time to Start Getting Focused</a>‘</li>
</ul>
Image via Shutterstock
Disclaimer:&nbsp;This content was partially produced with the help of AI tools and was reviewed and published by Benzinga editors.

Equities

AAPL

Mark Cuban Warns Of Price Hikes, Says 'Buy Consumables Now,' Before Retailers Blame Tariffs

On Thursday, Goldman Sachs analyst Brooke Roach discussed the impact of the U.S. reciprocal tariffs on retail companies.
On April 2, President Trump announced reciprocal tariffs, including a 10% hike on all countries except Mexico and Canada, with higher rates for select nations with trade deficits.
The most significant retail impact is expected from increased tariffs on major sourcing partners like Vietnam, Indonesia, Bangladesh, and Cambodia, said the analyst.
The U.S. is significantly raising tariffs on imports, with China&#8217;s tariff rate increasing to 54% (up from 20%). Other key sourcing countries like Vietnam (46%), Indonesia (32%), Bangladesh (37%), Cambodia (49%), and India (27%) will also see tariff hikes, while EU imports face a 20% tariff.
Canada and Mexico remain exempt under USMCA, though non-USMCA compliant goods will be taxed at 12%. Overall, apparel and footwear tariffs are estimated to rise to an average of 38%, noted the analyst.
Additionally, the de minimis duty-free exemption for packages under $800 from China and Hong Kong will end on May 1, 2025.
These shipments will face a 30% tariff or $25 per item, increasing to $50 per item after June 1, 2025. The Secretary of Commerce will review within 90 days whether to expand this policy to Macau.
The newly announced tariffs will pressure brands and retailers, forcing them to adjust pricing, negotiate with vendors, and optimize costs to protect margins.
Also Read: <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/25/04/44630305/ai-powered-pizza-papa-johns-taps-google-cloud-for-smarter-orders" rel="noreferrer noopener">AI-Powered Pizza? Papa Johns Taps Google Cloud For Smarter Orders</a>
While most companies will be affected, some are less exposed, including brands with lower U.S. sales exposure like Amer Sports Inc (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AS#NYSE">AS</a>), Canada Goose Holdings Inc (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/GOOS#NYSE">GOOS</a>) and PVH Corp (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/PVH#NYSE">PVH</a>). Retailers with indirect sourcing, such as department stores and off-price retailers, could benefit from supply chain disruptions.
Companies that do not source their product from international markets or source from exempt regions, such as Savers Value Village Inc&#8217;s (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/SVV#NYSE">SVV</a>) with thrift business model and Kontoor Brands Inc&#8217;s (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/KTB#NYSE">KTB</a>) reliance on Mexico, though it also sources from Bangladesh, are less exposed.
The analyst notes that brands with momentum and strong consumer engagement are likely to have more substantial relative pricing power in the marketplace overall.
The analyst noted higher exposure to incrementally new tariffs from Vietnam and Cambodia-exposed businesses include sportswear like Lululemon Athletica Inc (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/LULU#NASDAQ">LULU</a>), Nike Inc (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/NKE#NYSE">NKE</a>) and general apparel like Torrid Holdings Inc (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/CURV#NYSE">CURV</a>), Figs Inc (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/FIGS#NYSE">FIGS</a>), Victoria&#8217;s Secret &amp; Co (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/VSCO#NYSE">VSCO</a>), and Gap Inc (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/GAP#NYSE">GAP</a>).
The Home Furnishings industry with companies like RH (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/RH#NYSE">RH</a>) and Williams-Sonoma Inc (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/WSM#NYSE">WSM</a>) faces the greatest risk from tariffs due to its high exposure to China and Vietnam and the discretionary nature of its products.
RH sources 72% of its products from Asia, including 23% from China and 35% from Vietnam, while WSM has 23% China and 14% Vietnam exposure.
Retailers Five Below Inc (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/FIVE#NASDAQ">FIVE</a>) and Best Buy Co Inc (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/BBY#NYSE">BBY</a>) are also vulnerable, with 60% of their products sourced from China. While Vietnam exposure remains unclear for most industries, home furnishing companies have the highest risk, said the analyst.
On the other hand, Auto Parts companies like Advance Auto Parts Inc (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AAP#NYSE">AAP</a>), AutoZone Inc (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AZO#NYSE">AZO</a>) and O&#8217;Reilly Automotive Inc (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/ORLY#NASDAQ">ORLY</a>) and Home Improvement retailers like Home Depot Inc (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/HD#NYSE">HD</a>) and Lowe&#8217;s Companies Inc (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/LOW#NYSE">LOW</a>) are better positioned, as they can pass increased costs.
Similarly, retailers that sell food like Walmart Inc (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/WMT#NYSE">WMT</a>), BJ&#8217;s Wholesale Club Holdings Inc (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/BJ#NYSE">BJ</a>), and Costco Wholesale Corp (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/COST#NASDAQ">COST</a>) are relatively insulated.
Companies with minimal reliance on China, such as Ulta Beauty Inc (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/ULTA#NASDAQ">ULTA</a>) and Bath &amp; Body Works Inc (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/BBWI#NYSE">BBWI</a>), are also well-positioned against these tariffs.
Read Next:
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<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/equities/25/04/44629352/rocket-lab-unveils-advanced-space-grade-radios-for-deep-space-missions" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Rocket Lab Unveils Advanced Space-Grade Radios For Deep Space Missions</a></li>
</ul>
Image via Shutterstock.

Analyst Color

Analyst Ratings

BBWI

CURV

FIGS

FIVE

GOOS

LULU

ORLY

ULTA

VSCO

Goldman Sachs Warns Tariffs Will Hit Apparel And Home Furnishings Hardest, Highlights Most Exposed Stocks

Shares of Kohl's Corp (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/KSS#NYSE">KSS</a>) tanked on Thursday after the company <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/25/03/44514918/whats-going-on-with-kohls-corporation-stock-today">announced plans to close stores</a>.
A meeting with the company's new CEO Ashley Buchanan highlighted management's turnaround plan that will be put in place this year, according to Telsey Advisory Group.
The Kohl's Analyst: Analyst <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/analyst-stock-ratings/analyst/5888c53977f9dd0001877a22/dana-telsey">Dana Telsey</a> maintained a Market Perform rating and price target of $10.
The Kohl's Thesis: The company's new CEO "brings relevant retail experience" from his tenure with Blackstone Inc's (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/BX#NYSE">BX</a>) Michaels Companies and Walmart Inc (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/WMT#NYSE">WMT</a>), Telsey said in the note.
Check out <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/analyst-stock-ratings">other analyst stock ratings</a>.
Mr. Buchanan played a key role in improving profitability, growing digital sales and simplifying the merchandising strategy at Michaels Companies, she added.
For Kohl's, the CEO identified six initiatives that would be implemented this year that are expected to deliver results over the next 18 months, the analyst stated.
"New merchandising strategy focuses on offering a more balanced, curated assortment that addresses the needs of all customers, both new and existing," she wrote.
Kohl's pricing strategy focuses on driving value through increased promotions, while "reducing the complexity of its offers," Telsey said.
"We were encouraged by management&#8217;s grasp of the challenges it faces and the strategies it has laid out thus far to address them," she wrote.
KSS Price Action: Shares of Kohl's had declined by 25.41% to $6.42 at the time of publication on Thursday.
Read More: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/government/regulations/25/02/43949618/cisco-and-nvidia-expand-ai-partnership-secure-us-government-authorization-for-cloud-security"> </a>
<ul>
<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/government/regulations/25/02/43949618/cisco-and-nvidia-expand-ai-partnership-secure-us-government-authorization-for-cloud-security">Kohl&#8217;s (KSS) Stock Is Down 30% In March &#8211; What&#8217;s Behind The Selloff?</a></li>
</ul>
Photo: Sundry Photos via Shutterstock

Reiteration

Movers

Kohl's Shares Tumble, But Analyst Sees Promise In New CEO's Strategy

A report on April 2, 2025 shows that Representative Debbie Dingell from Michigan purchase stock in Walmart (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/WMT#NYSE">WMT</a>), valued between $15,001 and $50,000. According to the April filing, the transaction occurred on April 2, 2025.
At the time of writing, Walmart shares are trading down 0.57% at $89.25.
<h3>Representative's Recent Trading Activity</h3>
In the last three years, Debbie Dingell completed 22 stock transactions totaling more than $450 thousand. Meta Platforms and Service Properties Trust stocks were among the largest trades. Some of the most notable transactions the Rep. has executed recently include: 
<ul>
<li>Walmart (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/WMT#NYSE">WMT</a>): $15,001 - $50,000 Purchase</li>
<li>Walt Disney (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/DIS#NYSE">DIS</a>): $1,001 - $15,000 Purchase</li>
</ul>
Here's a summary of Debbie Dingell's recent trades:
<table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Company</th>
<th>Ticker</th>
<th>Stock Type</th>
<th>Amount</th>
<th>Transaction Type</th>
<th>Transaction Date</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>Government National</td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
<td>$15,001 - $50,000</td>
<td>P</td>
<td>2025-03-28</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Walmart</td>
<td>WMT</td>
<td>STOCK</td>
<td>$15,001 - $50,000</td>
<td>P</td>
<td>2025-03-27</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Federal National Mortgage</td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
<td>$100,001 - $250,000</td>
<td>P</td>
<td>2025-01-15</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Walt Disney</td>
<td>DIS</td>
<td>STOCK</td>
<td>$1,001 - $15,000</td>
<td>P</td>
<td>2025-01-15</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
To keep an eye on Debbie Dingell's trades and other government stock activity, check out our <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/gov-trades/members/debbie-dingell">real-time tracking tool</a>!
<h3>The Importance of Congressional Transactions</h3>
A congressional transaction is when any representative or senator either buys or sells an individual stock.
Anyone working in Congress must file a Periodic Transaction Report to inform the public of their recent transaction within 30 days of being notified of the transaction and within 45 days of the transaction date.
In April 2012, Former President Barack Obama signed the STOCK Act into law. The act prohibits members of Congress from using private information given to them by their position for personal gain such as buying or selling a stock. The act also expanded disclosure requirements for members of Congress by requiring them to file a monthly disclosure.
<h3>The Importance of Congressional Transactions</h3>
Congressional transactions shouldn't be the primary reason for an investing decision, but they can be an important factor for an investor to consider.
When a senator or representative makes a new purchase, it could be an indication they expect the stock to rise.
A sale, on the other hand, can be made for a variety of reasons, and may not necessarily mean the seller thinks the stock will go down.
This article was generated by Benzinga's automated content engine and reviewed by an editor.

Government

Congressional Trading Report: Rep. Debbie Dingell Bought Over $15K In Walmart Stock

Walmart Inc (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/WMT#NYSE">WMT</a>) <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/topic/walmart" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">remains engaged in</a> canvassing Chinese suppliers to slash prices across product categories by up to 10% for each round of tariffs. That&#8217;s how the retailer aims to shift the burden of tariffs onto the suppliers.
The ongoing negotiations could intensify after Trump launches new reciprocal tariffs against major US trading partners, adding to the 20% duties that Trump has already implemented on Chinese imports, Bloomberg <a target="_blank" href="https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2025-04-02/china-ties-us-talks-to-tariff-removal-as-stalemate-deepens?srnd=homepage-americas&amp;sref=TBDibEcD" rel="noreferrer noopener">reports</a>.
Also Read: <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/25/03/44569790/goldman-sachs-picks-amazon-google-and-meta-for-strong-growth-in-ecommerce-and-digital-advertising" rel="noreferrer noopener">Shoptalk 2025: Goldman Sachs Analyst Unveils Insights On AI, Video, Retail And Stock Picks</a>
Some Chinese manufacturers failed to meet Walmart&#8217;s demands to cut prices by up to 10% for each round of tariffs.
A Walmart spokeswoman told Bloomberg its supplier conversations focused on offering low prices.
Other&nbsp;US retailers expect the tariffs to increase prices, from Target Corp (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/TGT#NYSE">TGT</a>) to Costco Wholesale Corp (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/COST#NASDAQ">COST</a>).
Some Chinese factory owners told Bloomberg that they have begun to weigh alternative manufacturing locations in Asia, such as Cambodia and Vietnam.
Walmart&#8217;s strong foothold in China provides some buffer from political retaliation when global businesses lay off staff on the mainland or exit the market altogether.
In March, Walmart CEO Doug McMillon <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/trading-ideas/25/03/44226602/walmart-ceo-says-consumers-changing-spending-due-to-inflation-egg-prices-the-money-runs-out-before-the-month-is-gone-people-are-buying-smaller-pack-sizes" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">sparked concerns about</a> consumer spending in recent public comments. He highlighted that consumers are buying smaller pack sizes and running out of money.
On March 27, Walmart&#8217;s <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/25/03/44508525/walmart-suffers-22-billion-valuation-drop-on-a-single-day-amid-declining-consumer-confidence" rel="noreferrer noopener">stock price fell</a> by 3.1% at market close, leading to a sharp decline in its market value to nearly $680 billion. Bill Adams of&nbsp;Comerica Bank attributed consumer confidence to &#8220;layoff headlines, a falling stock&nbsp;market, and tariff fears.&#8221;
Price Action: WMT stock is up 0.73% at $89.43 at last check Wednesday.
Read Next:
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<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/trading-ideas/movers/25/04/44607859/teslas-deliveries-slide-in-q1-amid-production-setbacks-political-backlash" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Tesla&#8217;s Deliveries Slide In Q1 Amid Production Setbacks, Political Backlash</a></li>
</ul>
Photo: Shutterstock

Media

Walmart Pressures Chinese Suppliers To Cut Prices Amid New Tariff Battle

Walmart (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/WMT#NYSE">WMT</a>) has outperformed the market over the past 5 years by 1.01% on an annualized basis producing an average annual return of 17.19%. Currently, Walmart has a market capitalization of $720.59 billion. 
Buying $100 In WMT: If an investor had bought $100 of WMT stock 5 years ago, it would be worth $213.89 today based on a price of $89.89 for WMT at the time of writing.
<h3>Walmart's Performance Over Last 5 Years</h3>
<img src="https://www.benzinga.com/files/images/story/2025/1743607816_0.png" alt="comp_fig" />
Finally -- what's the point of all this? The key insight to take from this article is to note how much of a difference compounded returns can make in your cash growth over a period of time.
This article was generated by Benzinga's automated content engine and reviewed by an editor.

$100 Invested In Walmart 5 Years Ago Would Be Worth This Much Today

Investors with a lot of money to spend have taken a bullish stance on Walmart (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/WMT#NYSE">WMT</a>).
And retail traders should know.
We noticed this today when the trades showed up on publicly available options history that we track here at Benzinga.
Whether these are institutions or just wealthy individuals, we don't know. But when something this big happens with WMT, it often means somebody knows something is about to happen.
So how do we know what these investors just did? 
Today, <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/pro/">Benzinga</a>'s options scanner spotted 18 uncommon options trades for Walmart.
This isn't normal.
The overall sentiment of these big-money traders is split between 44% bullish and 44%, bearish.
Out of all of the special options we uncovered, 11 are puts, for a total amount of $976,756, and 7 are calls, for a total amount of $635,955.
<h3>Projected Price Targets</h3>
After evaluating the trading volumes and Open Interest, it's evident that the major market movers are focusing on a price band between $86.0 and $95.0 for Walmart, spanning the last three months.
<h3>Insights into Volume &amp; Open Interest</h3>
Looking at the volume and open interest is a powerful move while trading options. This data can help you track the liquidity and interest for Walmart's options for a given strike price. Below, we can observe the evolution of the volume and open interest of calls and puts, respectively, for all of Walmart's whale trades within a strike price range from $86.0 to $95.0 in the last 30 days. 
<h3>Walmart 30-Day Option Volume &amp; Interest Snapshot</h3>
<img src="https://www.benzinga.com/files/images/story/2025/1743518760_0.png" alt="Options Call Chart" />
<h3>Significant Options Trades Detected:</h3>

<table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Symbol</th>
<th>PUT/CALL</th>
<th>Trade Type</th>
<th>Sentiment</th>
<th>Exp. Date</th>
<th>Ask</th>
<th>Bid</th>
<th>Price</th>
<th>Strike Price</th>
<th>Total Trade Price</th>
<th>Open Interest</th>
<th>Volume</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>WMT</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>SWEEP</td>
<td>BEARISH</td>
<td>04/11/25</td>
<td>$2.03</td>
<td>$2.0</td>
<td>$2.0</td>
<td>$88.00</td>
<td>$210.0K</td>
<td>570</td>
<td>475</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>WMT</td>
<td>PUT</td>
<td>SWEEP</td>
<td>BULLISH</td>
<td>05/16/25</td>
<td>$5.65</td>
<td>$5.55</td>
<td>$5.59</td>
<td>$92.50</td>
<td>$165.0K</td>
<td>1.3K</td>
<td>552</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>WMT</td>
<td>PUT</td>
<td>SWEEP</td>
<td>BULLISH</td>
<td>05/16/25</td>
<td>$5.65</td>
<td>$5.55</td>
<td>$5.55</td>
<td>$92.50</td>
<td>$141.5K</td>
<td>1.3K</td>
<td>255</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>WMT</td>
<td>PUT</td>
<td>SWEEP</td>
<td>BEARISH</td>
<td>05/16/25</td>
<td>$6.0</td>
<td>$5.85</td>
<td>$6.0</td>
<td>$92.50</td>
<td>$100.7K</td>
<td>1.3K</td>
<td>1.0K</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>WMT</td>
<td>PUT</td>
<td>TRADE</td>
<td>BULLISH</td>
<td>05/16/25</td>
<td>$6.05</td>
<td>$5.9</td>
<td>$5.9</td>
<td>$92.50</td>
<td>$100.3K</td>
<td>1.3K</td>
<td>1.7K</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>

<h3>About Walmart</h3>
Walmart serves as a leading retailer in the United States, with its strategy predicated on superior operating efficiency and offering the lowest priced goods to consumers to drive robust store traffic and product turnover. Walmart augmented its low-price business strategy by offering a convenient one-stop shopping destination with the opening of its first supercenter in 1988.Today, Walmart operates over 4,600 stores in the United States (5,200 including Sam's Club) and over 10,000 locations globally. Walmart generated over $460 billion in domestic namesake sales in fiscal 2025, with Sam's Club contributing another $90 billion to the company's top line. Internationally, Walmart generated $120 billion in sales. The retailer serves around 270 million customers globally each week.
In light of the recent options history for Walmart, it's now appropriate to focus on the company itself. We aim to explore its current performance.
<h3>Current Position of Walmart</h3>
<ul>
<li>Currently trading with a volume of 5,455,606, the WMT's price is up by 0.66%, now at $88.37. </li>
<li>RSI readings suggest the stock is currently is currently neutral between overbought and oversold.</li>
<li>Anticipated earnings release is in 44 days.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Expert Opinions on Walmart</h3>
In the last month, 2 experts released ratings on this stock with an average target price of $96.5.
Unusual Options Activity Detected: Smart Money on the Move
Benzinga Edge's Unusual Options board spots potential market movers before they happen. See what positions big money is taking on your favorite stocks. <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/premium/ideas/benzinga-edge-checkout/?t=Be8be9arja3be22bz20&amp;adType=benzinga-insights&amp;ad=options-activity&amp;campaign=wallstreetadvantage">Click here for access</a>. 
&#x2A; An analyst from Stifel has decided to maintain their Hold rating on Walmart, which currently sits at a price target of $93. 
&#x2A; Maintaining their stance, an analyst from Evercore ISI Group continues to hold a Outperform rating for Walmart, targeting a price of $100. 
Trading options involves greater risks but also offers the potential for higher profits. Savvy traders mitigate these risks through ongoing education, strategic trade adjustments, utilizing various indicators, and staying attuned to market dynamics. Keep up with the latest options trades for Walmart with <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/pro/">Benzinga Pro</a> for real-time alerts.

Options

This Is What Whales Are Betting On Walmart

On Tuesday, Stride Bank announced a <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/pressreleases/25/04/b44581441/stride-bank-announces-program-partnership-with-affirm" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">payments program partnership</a> with Affirm Holdings, Inc (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AFRM#NASDAQ">AFRM</a>), through which it will become a new card issuing partner for the Affirm CardTM. This debit card enables consumers to pay in full or request to pay over time for eligible purchases in the Affirm app.
By serving as a card issuer on the Affirm Card, Stride Bank will help support the growing demand for Affirm&#8217;s flexible and transparent payment options.
With 1.7 million active cardholders as of Dec. 31, 2024, the Affirm Card empowers consumers to take greater control over their finances.
Also Read: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/25/01/43192081/affirm-surges-on-750-million-liberty-mutual-deal-eyes-34-billion-lending-target-for-2025" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Affirm Surges on $750 Million Liberty Mutual Deal, Eyes $34 Billion Lending Target for 2025</a>
It provides the ability to apply and convert eligible purchases into pay-over-time loans in the Affirm app. These cardholders benefit from being part of Affirm&#8217;s network, which includes 21 million active consumers and more than 330,000 integrated merchants.
Affirm Holdings stock surged 30% in the last 12 months.
In March, Affirm Holdings expanded its <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/trading-ideas/movers/25/03/44477288/affirm-supercharges-us-retail-with-expansion-of-jp-morgan-payments-partnership" rel="noreferrer noopener">multi-year agreement</a> with&nbsp;JPMorgan Chase &amp; Co&#8217;s&nbsp;(NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/JPM#NYSE">JPM</a>) J.P. Morgan Payments unit, further integrating Affirm&#8217;s pay-over-time solutions&nbsp;into the bank&#8217;s Commerce Platform.
Also in March, Affirm lost its exclusive Walmart Inc (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/WMT#NYSE">WMT</a>) loan partnership to Klarna, <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/analyst-ratings/price-target/25/03/44383029/how-walmart-klarna-deal-impacts-affirm-goldman-sachs-analyst-weighs-in" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">leading to a rerating</a> by Goldman Sachs analyst Will Nance. The analyst noted a lower financial impact of Walmart&#8217;s partnership termination than expected on Affirm due to Walmart&#8217;s history with third-party credit providers and the lower profitability of the Walmart partnership.
Affirm is poised to benefit from BNPL&#8217;s growth in e-commerce, the younger generation&#8217;s preference for installment financing, and BNPL&#8217;s more tailored credit offerings compared to traditional credit cards.
Price Action:&nbsp;AFRM stock is down 0.02% to $45.18 premarket at last check Tuesday.
Read Next:
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<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/fintech/24/10/41385123/apple-pay-expands-buy-now-pay-later-with-affirm-adds-support-for-third-party-browsers-and-more" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Apple Pay Expands Buy Now, Pay Later With Affirm, Adds Support For Third-Party Browsers And More</a></li>
</ul>
Image: Shutterstock

Stride Bank, Affirm Issue New Debit Card With Pay-Over-Time Loans

WIIM

DLTR

Shares of consumer staples stocks are trading higher as tariffs uncertainty may be driving a shift towards defensive stocks.

Goldman Sachs analyst Eric Sheridan attended the 2025 Shoptalk Conference in Las Vegas from March 25 to March 27.
Based on his conversations with companies and industry participants, the analyst shared his key takeaways across <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/topic/e-commerce" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">eCommerce, digital advertising</a>, retail, and software:
Also Read: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/25/02/43431559/amazon-temu-and-shein-under-eu-scrutiny-regulators-target-illegal-products-and-tougher-e-commerce-rules" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Amazon, Temu, and Shein Under EU Scrutiny, Regulators Target Illegal Products and Tougher E-Commerce Rules</a>
<ul>
<li>Search is evolving to meet rising customer expectations.</li>
<li>The future of eCommerce is conversational and personalized.</li>
<li>Video content is becoming critical from awareness to conversion.</li>
<li>AI is enabling a better brand experience.</li>
<li>Retail media is increasingly a differentiator.</li>
<li>The in-store environment remains an opportunity for retail media dollars ahead.</li>
<li>There are signs of stable demand for digital transformation but less visibility into the second quarter.</li>
</ul>
Sheridan&#8217;s internet picks:
<ul>
<li>Amazon.com Inc (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AMZN#NASDAQ">AMZN</a>) Buy with $255 price target</li>
<li>Alphabet Inc (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/GOOGL#NASDAQ">GOOGL</a>) Buy with $220 price target</li>
<li>Meta Platforms Inc (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/META#NASDAQ">META</a>) Buy with $765 price target) and </li>
<li>Pinterest, Inc (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/PINS#NYSE">PINS</a>) Buy with $47 price target</li>
</ul>
Retail top picks:
<ul>
<li>SharkNinja, Inc (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/SN#NYSE">SN</a>) Buy, with a $133 price target</li>
<li>GAP Inc (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/GAP#NYSE">GAP</a>) Buy with a $34 price target and </li>
<li>Walmart Inc (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/WMT#NYSE">WMT</a>) Buy with $106 1price target.</li>
</ul>
Software picks:
<ul>
<li>Shopify Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/SHOP#NASDAQ">SHOP</a>) Buy with a $150 price target and </li>
<li>Klaviyo, Inc. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/KVYO#NYSE">KVYO</a>) Buy with a $51 price target.</li>
</ul>
Google continues to play an essential role in online commerce. Google and YouTube are present in 2/3rd of journeys where consumers discover new brands, products, or retailers.
Google was aligned with this vision of the future of multimodal search and spoke to their focus on Google Lens, which now serves over 20 billion monthly queries. Text-based search remains normative, and generative AI products augment the experience.
Amazon is also experimenting with visual search with Amazon Lens and is pleased with the various ways shoppers engage with the product, which suggests that users are deriving value from it.
Amazon launched its AI shopping assistant, Rufus, in 2024.
Google launched a more conversational version of Google Shopping last October. Over 1 billion people shop across Google every day, and the company sees Google Shopping as an essential part of its broader commerce strategy.
Walmart noted an opportunity to enhance the customer experience by cross-functionally driving its retail media stream. This collaboration across retail media, data, marketing, and other customer experiences will drive profit while enabling a frictionless customer experience.  
Sheridan expects Shopify to see traction in B2B due to the market&#8217;s legacy replacement cycle and relatively benign competitive backdrop.
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Image: Shutterstock

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Shoptalk 2025: Goldman Sachs Analyst Unveils Insights On AI, Video, Retail And Stock Picks

NBA player Stephen Curry and&nbsp;former First Lady Michelle Obama&nbsp;have launched Plezi Hydration, a sports drink with a health-conscious twist.
What Happened: Curry and Obama unveiled Plezi Hydration under the umbrella of Obama&#8217;s public benefit firm, Plezi Nutrition. The drink is a fresh addition to the NBA player&#8217;s expanding portfolio of off-court business ventures, <a href="https://www.cnbc.com/2025/03/26/stephen-curry-teams-up-with-michelle-obama-to-launch-sports-drink-.html">reported</a> CNBC.
In 2023, Obama launched Plezi Nutrition to promote healthier eating for kids, building on her &#8220;Let&#8217;s Move!&#8221; campaign from her White House years.
Plezi Hydration steps into the highly competitive sports drink market with a distinct emphasis on health and wellness. The beverage contains no added sugars or artificial sweeteners, has lower sodium than its competitors, and provides a full day&#8217;s supply of vitamin C.
Plezi Hydration, translating to&nbsp;&#8220;fun&#8221; in Creole, will be&nbsp;available in three flavors: lemon lime,&nbsp;tropical punch, and&nbsp;orange mango twist. The beverages will be available in California at Walmart (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/WMT#NYSE">WMT</a>), Albertsons (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/ACI#NYSE">ACI</a>), and Safeway, and nationwide on Amazon (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AMZN#NASDAQ">AMZN</a>). Each 16.9-ounce bottle will be priced at $2.29 and contain 70 calories.
Curry said,&nbsp;&#8220;We&#8217;ve created something with smart&nbsp;ingredients and unbeatable flavor, so&nbsp;people can fuel their bodies&nbsp;the right way. No nonsense,&nbsp;no shortcuts — because the&nbsp;next generation deserves better.&#8221;
SEE ALSO: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/25/03/44508248/elon-musks-doge-service-team-member-tied-to-cybercrime-group-report">Elon Musk&#8217;s DOGE Service Team Member Tied To Cybercrime Group: Report</a>
Why It Matters: Functional beverages or healthier drinks are becoming a major part of the health and wellness market. According to NIQ research, innovation is transforming the industry, leading to 258 new product launches last year, featuring unique functions and ingredients.
The sports drink sector is dominated by three major brands: PepsiCo&#8217;s Gatorade (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/PEP#NASDAQ">PEP</a>) with a 61% market share, Coca-Cola&#8217;s Powerade (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/KO#NYSE">KO</a>) at 14.5%, and BodyArmor at 11.8%, as per Euromonitor International.
The launch of Plezi Hydration comes at a time when the beverage industry is seeing a shift towards healthier options.&nbsp;Celsius Holdings (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/CELH#NASDAQ">CELH</a>)&nbsp;is <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/content/44512107/healthy-energy-drinks-celsius-holdings-building-out-the-space">leading the charge</a> in creating a new category of healthy energy drinks. Meanwhile,&nbsp;PepsiCo is reportedly in talks to <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/media/25/03/44339268/pepsico-reportedly-in-talks-to-acquire-poppi-amid-rising-demand-for-probiotic-drinks">acquire Poppi</a>, a healthier soda brand, indicating a rising demand for healthier beverages. 
Plezi Hydration&#8217;s&nbsp;focus on health and wellness&nbsp;could potentially disrupt the sports drink market, currently dominated by traditional high-sugar drinks.
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<li>READ MORE: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/media/25/03/44523216/microsoft-plans-proprietary-ai-to-power-business-software-and-reduce-openai-dependence-report">Microsoft Plans Proprietary AI To Power Business Software And Reduce OpenAI Dependence: Report</a></li>
</ul>
Image via Shutterstock
Disclaimer:&nbsp;This content was partially produced with the help of AI tools and was reviewed and published by Benzinga editors.

Sports

CELH

NBA Player Stephen Curry Joins Michelle Obama To Introduce Health-Focused Sports Drink

Walmart Inc.&nbsp;(NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/WMT#NYSE">WMT</a>) has witnessed a massive $22 billion loss in market capitalization following declining consumer confidence data.
What Happened: Walmart&#8217;s stock price fell by 3.1% at market close on Tuesday, leading to a sharp decline in its market value to nearly $680 billion. The retail giant suffered the largest valuation drop on Tuesday, surpassing Nvidia&#8216;s (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/NVDA#NASDAQ">NVDA</a>) $17 billion market cap loss on the same day, <a href="https://www.newsweek.com/walmart-loses-22b-consumer-confidence-2050624">reported</a> Newsweek.
This decline aligns with the Conference Board&#8217;s monthly report on American consumer confidence, which recorded a drop for the fourth consecutive month. In March, the Consumer Confidence Index fell to 92.9 points, marking its lowest level since early 2021.
The Expectations Index, which gauges consumers&#8217; short-term outlook on income, business, and labor market conditions, also dropped to a 12-year low of 65.2,&nbsp;below the 80-point threshold, which typically signals a looming recession.
Walmart CEO Doug McMillon&nbsp;had previously noted in February that customers were displaying &#8220;stressed behaviors&#8221; and reducing their spending.&nbsp;However, on tariffs, McMillon seemed unfazed and stated, "Tariffs are something we've managed for many years, and we'll just continue to manage that.&#8221;
Bill Adams, chief economist for&nbsp;Comerica Bank, attributed the falling consumer confidence to &#8220;layoff headlines, a falling stock&nbsp;market, and tariff fears.&#8221;
SEE ALSO: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/media/25/03/44508019/tesla-and-other-us-robotics-giants-demand-federal-strategy-to-compete-with-chinas-138-billion-push-warn-america-will-lose-the-race-without-it">Tesla And Other US Robotics Giants Demand Federal Strategy To Compete With China&#8217;s $138 Billion Push — Warn America Will Lose The Race Without It</a>
Why It Matters: Consumer confidence in the U.S. has been on a downward trend, with the Consumer Confidence Index falling to its <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/government/regulations/25/03/44475192/consumer-confidence-falls-to-lowest-since-2022-as-inflation-tariff-worries-grow">lowest level </a>since late 2022. This decline is attributed to fears of inflation, stock market volatility, and tariff-driven price hikes.
Furthermore, Walmart&#8217;s operations in China have been under pressure, which could potentially lead to higher prices for U.S. customers, as reported by&nbsp;CNN Business. On this, a Walmart spokesperson told CNN, &#8220;Our conversations with suppliers are all aimed at making our purpose a reality for millions of customers, and we will continue to work closely with them to find the best way forward during these uncertain times."
These factors, combined with the declining consumer confidence, could further impact Walmart&#8217;s performance in the coming months. Kelly LaVigne, Vice President of consumer insights at insurance company Allianz Life, told Fortune, "That means inflation will continue to erode your purchasing power unless you have a long-term strategy to address it." 
Walmart holds a momentum rating of 86.91% and a growth rating of 54.55%, according to&nbsp;<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/report/WMT" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Benzinga's Proprietary Edge Rankings</a>. The Benzinga Growth metric evaluates a stock&#8217;s historical earnings and revenue expansion across multiple timeframes, prioritizing both long-term trends and recent performance. For an in-depth report on more stocks and insights into growth opportunities,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/screener/top-momentum-stocks" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">sign</a>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/screener/top-momentum-stocks" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">up for Benzinga Edge.</a>
Walmart stock edged 0.53% higher to close at $85.21 on Wednesday. Over the past month, the stock lost over 11%.
<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="448" height="284" src="https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/27034033/Screenshot-2025-03-27-131021.png" alt="" class="wp-image-844139" srcset="https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/27034033/Screenshot-2025-03-27-131021.png 448w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/27034033/Screenshot-2025-03-27-131021-300x190.png 300w" sizes="(max-width: 448px) 100vw, 448px" /></figure>
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<li>READ MORE: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/25/03/44492495/mark-cuban-suggests-taxing-robots-by-the-hour-as-new-source-of-federal-revenue-bats-for-ai-and-robotics-based-manufacturing-revival">Mark Cuban Suggests &#8216;Taxing Robots By The Hour,&#8217; Urges US To Invest In AI And Robotics</a></li>
</ul>
Image via Shutterstock
Disclaimer:&nbsp;This content was partially produced with the help of AI tools and was reviewed and published by Benzinga editors.

Walmart Suffers $22 Billion Valuation Drop On A Single Day Amid Declining Consumer Confidence

Where Walgreens and Walmart (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/WMT#NYSE">WMT</a>) failed, <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/25/03/44406845/stephanie-link-amazons-market-share-is-soaring-insights-on-amazon-palo-alto-networks-target-nextera-energy">Amazon</a> (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AMZN#NASDAQ">AMZN</a>) aims to succeed. As Americans age, primary healthcare has become an increasingly important target for retailers. However, it has proven elusive to conquer. According to<a href="https://www.costar.com/article/1985588933/amazon-slates-new-markets-for-expansion-of-its-primary-care-network"> CoStar News,</a> Amazon is trying a different approach.&nbsp;
By partnering with hospital chains and offering care to its Prime members —<a href="https://health.amazon.com/prime?ref_=nav_cs_all_health_ingress_onem_h"> currently with an additional cost</a> — it hopes to succeed where others have not. The San Francisco-based Amazon One Medical recently opened its first center in Edgewater, New Jersey. One Medical offers a hybrid virtual and in-person primary care service with further expansion plans in Jersey City and Englewood in New Jersey, Westchester County in New York, and Cleveland planned this year.&nbsp;
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Partnering With Major Hospitals</h2>
In New Jersey, One Medical is partnering with Hackensack Meridian Health, the Garden State&#8217;s largest health network, according to CoStar News. In Westchester, it will facilitate treatments for members of the Montefiore Health System and the Cleveland Clinic in Cleveland, Ohio.
One Medical customers in Edgwater will be offered same-day and next-day in-person appointments and 24/7 virtual care. The facility will treat both short and longterm patients with chronic conditions.
As with other businesses under its umbrella, Amazon is hoping to leverage its vast<a href="https://www.statista.com/statistics/1223385/amazon-prime-subscribers-in-the-united-states/"> Prime membership base</a> to build its healthcare business. Currently, Prime members can add One Medical membership for $9 a month or $99 a year. The<a href="https://www.onemedical.com/mediacenter/montefiore-health-system-partnership/#:~:text=Amazon%20One%20Medical%20also%20works,their%20employees%20and%20their%20dependents."> company&#8217;s website</a> states that One Medical also works with 10,000 U.S. employers as part of a benefit package for their workers and their dependents.
Trending: The average American couple has saved this much money for retirement —<a href="http://www.benzinga.com/money/smartasset"> How do you compare</a>?
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Reduced Competition</h2>
Two years after buying One Medical for<a href="https://www.wsj.com/articles/amazon-closes-purchase-of-one-medical-network-of-health-clinics-9ac7993c"> $3.9 billion</a> in February 2023 — one of the company&#8217;s biggest acquisitions — Amazon finds itself with two of its main competitors either out of the race or diminished.
Walmart exited the primary healthcare business last April, closing 51 locations.&nbsp;
"Through our experience managing Walmart Health centers and Walmart Health Virtual Care, we determined there is not a sustainable business model for us to continue," a <a href="https://corporate.walmart.com/news/2024/04/30/walmart-health-is-closing">company statement </a>read. "Escalating operating costs create a lack of profitability that makes the care business unsustainable for us at this time.&#8221;
Walgreens Village MD bought Summit Health and CityMD — an urgent-and-primary-care chain — for<a href="https://www.costar.com/article/1064194916/walgreens-89-billion-villagemd-deal-for-citymd-to-further-shift-americas-healthcare-real-estate?_gl=1&#x2A;1fzbd22&#x2A;_gcl_aw&#x2A;R0NMLjE3NDE5MTUxNTMuQ2owS0NRandoTXEtQmhDRkFSSXNBR3ZvMEtlMnVpUUFMMWJOcVBoazdwWTc5ZmFKV2NZMFp5WlVpVFY1S0VKX212YXpYLWI1cDlmVnRsOGFBdWxXRUFMd193Y0I.&#x2A;_gcl_au&#x2A;MTMxNzg4NDMzNi4xNzQwNTY2NzQ2&#x2A;_ga&#x2A;NDE3MjY0MTgxLjE3NDA1NjY3NDY.&#x2A;_ga_0VBY5KHBRL&#x2A;MTc0MjMyMTkzNC4xNy4xLjE3NDIzMjI1NjMuNTMuMC4w&#x2A;_ga_FZJZNHHEW2&#x2A;MTc0MjMyMTkzNC4xNy4wLjE3NDIzMjE5MzQuNjAuMC4w"> $8.9 billion in 2022</a>. However, recently, it appeared to be<a href="https://www.walgreensbootsalliance.com/news-media/press-releases/2025/wba-definitive-agreement-acquired-by-sycamore-partners#:~:text=Value%20Maximization%20Process%20for%20VillageMD%20Businesses&amp;text=WBA%20shareholders%20will%20receive,%20at,sale%20of%20the%20Divested%20Assets."> divesting from the primary healthcare space</a> and going private, announcing a<a href="https://www.costar.com/article/1510125664/walgreens-goes-private-in-10-billion-deal-to-drive-turnaround?_gl=1&#x2A;1hzyvhb&#x2A;_gcl_aw&#x2A;R0NMLjE3NDE5MTUxNTMuQ2owS0NRandoTXEtQmhDRkFSSXNBR3ZvMEtlMnVpUUFMMWJOcVBoazdwWTc5ZmFKV2NZMFp5WlVpVFY1S0VKX212YXpYLWI1cDlmVnRsOGFBdWxXRUFMd193Y0I.&#x2A;_gcl_au&#x2A;MTMxNzg4NDMzNi4xNzQwNTY2NzQ2&#x2A;_ga&#x2A;NDE3MjY0MTgxLjE3NDA1NjY3NDY.&#x2A;_ga_0VBY5KHBRL&#x2A;MTc0MjMyMTkzNC4xNy4xLjE3NDIzMjM2MDQuNTkuMC4w&#x2A;_ga_FZJZNHHEW2&#x2A;MTc0MjMyMTkzNC4xNy4xLjE3NDIzMjM2MDMuNjAuMC4w"> $10 billion deal</a> with Sycamore Partners.
See Also: BlackRock is calling 2025 the year of alternative assets. <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/masterworks">One firm from NYC has quietly built a group of 60,000+ investors who have all joined in on an alt asset class previously exclusive to billionaires like Bezos and Gates.</a>
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Lawsuits, The Loss Of Google, And A CEO</h2>
The loss of competition doesn&#8217;t mean that Amazon&#8217;s entry into primary healthcare hasn&#8217;t been without problems. Last year, its use of virtual medical visits resulted in a wrongful death lawsuit, which brought into question the efficacy of telehealth in diagnosing problems. According to the <a href="https://www.washingtonpost.com/technology/2024/12/18/amazon-one-medical-lawsuit-wrongful-death/">Washington Post</a>, the lawsuit alleged poorly trained staff were used, <a href="https://www.washingtonpost.com/technology/2024/12/18/amazon-one-medical-lawsuit-wrongful-death/">leading to the death</a> of a diabetic patient who was told to buy an inhaler to treat their symptoms.
In July, <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/25/03/44397597/google-to-pay-28-million-to-settle-employee-discrimination-lawsuit-we-continue-to-disagree-with-the-allegations-says-spokesperson">Google</a> announced it would not renew its contract with One Medical, according to<a href="https://www.healthcaredive.com/news/amazon-one-medical-google-contract-loss/722788/"> </a><a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/google-drops-amazon-one-medical-2024-7">Business Insider</a>. The longstanding agreement gave Google employees access to discounted medical care and was a big loss for One Medial as Google was the company&#8217;s biggest customer, accounting for<a href="https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1404123/000156459021013897/onem-10k_20201231.htm"> 10% of its revenue</a> in 2020, before Amazon, a rival purchased it. That number dropped slightly in 2021, after which One Medical stopped publicly disclosing its finances.&nbsp;
One Medical suffered another setback in March when the chain lost CEO Trent Green, who left to head global insights and strategy firm National Research.
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Amazon Primary Care Is Coming To A Town Near You. E-Commerce Giant Steps Up Healthcare Chain Rollout

Mexico's economy is <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/topic/recession">slipping into recession</a>, and according to JPMorgan analyst Steven Palacio, it's no longer a question of if, but how deep. 
"We now think a recession is unavoidable" due to weak economic momentum, declining private consumption, and sluggish manufacturing, Palacio warned.
The bank now expects first-quarter gross domestic product (GDP) to shrink by 1.5% quarter-over-quarter on an annualized basis. That&#8217;s a sharp revision from its previous forecast of 0.5% growth. This follows a 2.5% GDP decline in the fourth quarter, putting Mexico on track for a full-year contraction of 0.2%.
Read Also: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/economics/macro-economic-events/25/03/44360564/trumps-tariffs-could-fuel-inflation-in-canada-mexico-warns-economic-expert">Trump&#8217;s Tariffs Could Fuel Inflation In Canada, Mexico Warns Economic Expert</a>
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">A Shrinking Economy, Weak Consumer Demand</h2>
JPMorgan&#8217;s latest data shows Mexico&#8217;s GDP proxy was down 0.2% in January, following a 1.1% month-over-month drop in December. 
"Momentum was already weak coming into the new year," Palacio noted, adding that January's GDP level is tracking a 3.1% annualized contraction in the first quarter. Services, which had already declined 0.8% in December, remained flat in January, further confirming a deteriorating growth outlook.
Palacio pointed out that Mexico's economic drivers have shifted significantly.
"For many quarters domestic demand single-handedly drove growth, largely driven by private consumption, but also by investment,&#8221; he added.
Investment was the first to falter, followed by private consumption, which is now feeling the strain of slowing job creation. External demand, particularly in manufacturing, has failed to offset these weaknesses, as production has remained inconsistent.
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Inflation Easing, Rate Cuts Incoming</h2>
While economic growth deteriorates, inflation is cooling faster than expected. Core inflation has dropped to 3.56% year-over-year, with core services inflation finally slipping below 5%. Palacio noted, "The downward pull from cyclical weakness in the economy is becoming more noticeable in non-tradable prices." He also highlighted a decline in housing inflation, with non-tourism services now following the same trend.
Given these developments, JPMorgan sees an increasingly dovish stance from the Bank of Mexico (Banxico). Palacio believes the case for "back-to-back 50 basis point rate cuts at least in the next couple of meetings is strong," with risks skewed toward even deeper easing. The bank continues to project a year-end interest rate of 7.5% but sees further downside potential.
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Investor Implications: ETFs, Stocks To Watch</h2>
With Mexico's economic downturn accelerating and inflation cooling, investors should brace for further volatility in the Mexican peso and local equities. The iShares MSCI Mexico ETF (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/EWW#NYSE">EWW</a>), which tracks major Mexican stocks, could face downward pressure if GDP contracts as sharply as JPMorgan predicts. 
Key Mexican companies with exposure to domestic demand, such as Grupo Bimbo SAB de CV (OTCPK:GRBMF) and Walmart Inc&#8216;s (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/WMT#NYSE">WMT</a>) Mexican entity, Walmart de México y Centroamérica, could also be impacted as consumer spending weakens.
Palacio's note follows a <a href="https://www.oecd.org/en/publications/oecd-economic-outlook-interim-report-march-2025_89af4857-en.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">report</a> from the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development, which blames the global trade war for hurting Mexico&#8217;s economy.
With Mexico's growth story shifting from expansion to contraction, investors will need to adjust their strategies accordingly.
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Image: Shutterstock

Latin America

Macro Economic Events

Emerging Markets

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Economics

ETFs

GRBMF

'Recession To Hit' Mexico, Says Analyst As GDP Contracts, Inflation Eases, Banxico Faces Pressure

Wall Street is buzzing with increasing speculation about a recession, as economists identify several indicators suggesting an <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/25/03/44448437/benzinga-bulls-and-bears-tesla-nvidia-fedex-and-the-market-digests-the-feds-rate-decision">impending economic downturn</a>.
What Happened: According to a report, Goldman Sachs&nbsp;has raised its likelihood of a recession in&nbsp;the next 12 months from&nbsp;15% to 20%. A March survey by&nbsp;Bank of America&nbsp;(NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/BAC#NYSE">BAC</a>) showed that 55% of fund managers perceive&nbsp;a global recession triggered by&nbsp;a trade war as the&nbsp;primary&nbsp;tail risk for the market.
Consumer expectations of a recession in the upcoming year have also risen to a nine-month peak, according to the latest Consumer Confidence Survey by the Conference Board, <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/recession-2025-warning-economy-outlook-growth-slowdown-debt-stocks-rates-2025-3">reports</a> Insider.
Economist David Rosenberg foresees a downturn in the next few months, highlighting several warning signs of a faltering economy.
Rosenberg points out several alarming signs including US households battling to keep up with inflation, an increased debt load, struggling small- and mid-cap stocks, and declining corporate earnings guidance. 
Rosenberg stated, &#8220;If the past is prescient, the recession which nobody believes will rear its ugly head will materialize as early as July.&#8221;
Also Read: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/25/03/44211421/us-economy-teetering-recession-may-be-looming-as-bond-market-reacts-to-trump-policies">US Economy Teetering? Recession May Be Looming As Bond Market Reacts To Trump Policies</a>
Households are increasingly unable to handle emergency expenses, with&nbsp;the latest Survey of Consumer&nbsp;Expectations from the New York&nbsp;Fed indicating that only 63% of US households could manage a sudden $2,000 bill. 
This is the lowest percentage since Q4 2015, as per an analysis by&nbsp;Apollo Global Management&nbsp;(NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/APO#NYSE">APO</a>). Moreover, total household debt increased by $93 billion in Q4, hitting a record $18 trillion. 
Small- and mid-cap stocks are also struggling, with the iShares S&amp;P Small-cap 600 Value ETF down 16% from its November peak and the S&amp;P MidCap 400 down 13% from its November high.
Companies like&nbsp;Walmart&nbsp;(NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/WMT#NYSE">WMT</a>),&nbsp;Target&nbsp;(NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/TGT#NYSE">TGT</a>), and&nbsp;FedEx&nbsp;(NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/FDX#NYSE">FDX</a>) have reduced their guidance for the year, with approximately 70% of companies attributing potential negative outlooks this year to&nbsp;uncertainty around new policies and&nbsp;tariffs.
Finally, bond investors are factoring in a higher risk of companies defaulting&nbsp;in the coming years. Credit&nbsp;spreads have significantly increased in the past month, indicating investors&#8217; anticipation of a higher risk of corporate borrowers struggling to repay debt.
Read Next
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/25/02/43756824/market-instability-looms-in-trumps-second-term-warns-paul-tudor-jones-theres-no-room-for-mistakes" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Market Instability Looms in Trump's Second Term, Warns Paul Tudor Jones: ‘There's No Room for Mistakes'</a>
Image: Shutterstock

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