Ultime notizie per SPDR S&P Retail ETF (ARCA:XRT)

SPDR S&P Retail ETF

Consumer Cyclical

Consumer Defensive

Healthcare

Energy

Industrials

In seeking to track the performance of the S&P Retail Select Industry Index (the index), the fund employs a sampling strategy. It generally invests substantially all, but at least 80%, of its total assets in the securities comprising the index. The index represents the retail segment of the S&P Total Market Index (S&P TMI).

Sprouts Farmers Markets Inc.

Carvana Co. Class A

Monro Inc

Camping World Holdings Inc

Buckle Inc/the

Rent-a-center Inc

Carmax Inc.

Foot Locker Inc

Penske Automotive Group Inc

Group 1 Automotive Inc

Chewy Inc.

Warby Parker, Inc., Class A

Asbury Automotive Group Inc

Maplebear Inc

Sonic Automotive Inc

Boot Barn Holdings Inc

Albertsons Companies

Dick's Sporting Goods Inc

Urban Outfitters Inc

O'reilly Automotive, Inc.

National Vision Holdings, Inc.

Nordstrom Inc.

Costco Wholesale Corp.

Walgreens Boots Alliance Inc.

Autozone Inc.

Dollar Tree Inc.

Signet Jewelers Ltd

Dollar General Corp.

Grocery Outlet Holding Corp

Ollie's Bargain Outlet Holdings Inc

Ulta Beauty Inc.

Victoria'S Secret & Co Common Stock USD 0.01

Gamestop Corp

Pricesmart Inc

Walmart, Inc.

Robonomics Network - United States Dollar

XORTX Therapeutics Inc

President Donald Trump has sparked fear again of an all-out trade war, causing shockwaves in the stock market and leaving investors in the dark. In a post on Truth Social, Trump directly targeted tech giant Apple (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AAPL#NASDAQ">AAPL</a>), threatening a <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/25/05/45584696/trump-threatens-tim-cook-to-manufacture-iphones-in-the-us-or-face-at-least-25-tariffs">25% tariff on iPhones produced outside America</a>. Not resting there, he threatened a sweeping<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/economics/macro-economic-events/25/05/45585283/trump-tariff-threat-hits-europe-stocks-sink-as-50-duties-loom"> 50% tariff on all imports from the European Union</a> beginning June 1.
Although it is uncertain if Trump can unilaterally impose company-specific tariffs, the markets didn&#8217;t wait for answers. Apple stocks fell almost 3% on Friday trading, and investors are now left wondering how to rebalance their portfolios if protectionism returns.
Also Read: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/etfs/sector-etfs/25/05/45574690/nvidia-amd-and-the-ai-arms-race-3-explosive-etfs-to-watch-right-now">Nvidia, AMD And The AI Arms Race: 3 Explosive ETFs To Watch Right Now</a>
Tech ETFs: Industry Giants In The Crosshairs
Trump&#8217;s words shone a bright light on Apple, which constitutes meaningful portions of most <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/etfs">technology ETFs</a>. The Technology Select Sector SPDR Fund (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/XLK#NYSE">XLK</a>) holds more than 12.5% in Apple, and the Vanguard Information Technology ETF (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/VGT#NYSE">VGT</a>) and Invesco QQQ Trust (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/QQQ#NASDAQ">QQQ</a>) also hold 17.2% and 7.7% respectively.
Investors seeking to trim their exposure to Apple-focused funds could look to diversified global tech ETFs or equal-weight rivals that soften concentration risk. The iShares Global Tech ETF (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/IXN#NYSE">IXN</a>) can be a good choice. Despite having significant exposure to Apple, the fund dedicates around 20% of its portfolio to international tech stocks.
Retail Rout? ETFs Exposed to Walmart and Amazon
Retailing behemoths Walmart (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/WMT#NYSE">WMT</a>) and Amazon are also in Trump&#8217;s sights. Last week, Walmart suggested it might have to raise prices because of higher tariff costs. Trump responded, telling the retailer to &#8220;eat the tariffs.&#8221;
The SPDR S&amp;P Retail ETF (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/XRT#NYSE">XRT</a>), whose holdings include both Walmart and Amazon, may experience more volatility. 
European Exposure On The Edge
A 50% tariff on EU imports, if invoked, would be one of the toughest trade policies in recent U.S.-EU relations. ETFs with high European exposure, such as the iShares Europe ETF (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/IEV#NASDAQ">IEV</a>), SPDR EURO STOXX 50 ETF (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/FEZ#NYSE">FEZ</a>), and Vanguard FTSE Europe ETF (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/VGK#NYSE">VGK</a>), now find themselves under the scanner.
EU leaders have already proposed a $108 billion retaliatory tariff package, raising further uncertainty. For investors, this also poses questions regarding currency risk, macro exposure, and the durability of European equities.
Inverse ETFs such as the ProShares Short MSCI EAFE (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/EFZ#NYSE">EFZ</a>) or currency-hedged ETFs like the iShares Currency Hedged MSCI EMU ETF (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/HEZU#NYSE">HEZU</a>) could provide short-term defensive opportunities for those who see turmoil coming.
Made-In-America ETFs: A Patriotic Pivot?
If <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/25/05/45584696/trump-threatens-tim-cook-to-manufacture-iphones-in-the-us-or-face-at-least-25-tariffs">Trump&#8217;s tariff threats</a> push corporations to bring manufacturing back to the U.S., a new class of ETFs could benefit. Funds like the ARK Autonomous Technology &amp; Robotics ETF (BATS:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/ARKQ#BATS">ARKQ</a>) and 3D Printing ETF (BATS:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/PRNT#BATS">PRNT</a>) focus on American innovation and reshoring trends. These could gain momentum now.
Bottom Line
As Trump again heats up tariff rhetoric, ETF investors should prepare for a possible second installment of trade war drama. Whether hedging against exposure, playing rotation into domestic names, or diversifying out of vulnerable sectors, the moment to prepare may be at hand. Because in this political market theater, even passive investors must remain actively vigilant.
Read Next: 
<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/global/25/05/45571270/byd-outsells-tesla-in-europe-but-these-etfs-still-back-elons-ev-empire">BYD Outsells Tesla In Europe, But These ETFs Still Back Elon&#8217;s EV Empire</a></li>
</ul>
Photo: Shutterstock

Broad U.S. Equity ETFs

ETFs

AAPL

ARKQ

HEZU

iShares Trust S&P Global Information Technology Sector Index Fund

PRNT

Trump Targets EU, Apple With Tariff Threats: ETFs Could Feel The Heat

The U.S. House of Representatives passed one of the most expansive tax-and-spending bills in modern history, setting the stage for a multi-trillion-dollar shift in federal deficits and sector <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/economics/macro-economic-events/25/05/45564489/trumps-big-tax-bill-clears-the-house-30-year-yields-jump-to-515-as-bond-market-freaks">dynamics over the next decade.</a>
The legislation is projected to balloon the federal deficit by over $3 trillion between 2025 and 2034, according to preliminary estimates from the Congressional Budget Office. The fiscal impact will peak around 2027, when the bulk of the temporary spending programs and tax cuts kick in.
<h1 class="wp-block-heading">Fiscal Alarm Bells Ring On Wall Street</h1>
Analysts at the bipartisan federal agency warn that such a sharp increase comes at a time when U.S. debt is already on an unsustainable trajectory.
"Adding more than $3 trillion to the debt when our nation's finances are already on an unsustainable path would be unwise," the CBO stated. 
"Lawmakers should go back to the drawing board and work on a bill that reduces deficits, not adds to them."
Spencer Hakimian, founder of Tolou Capital warned that with the bill's passage, markets should brace for permanent emergency-style stimulus and $4 trillion annual deficits within a few years.
"This is COVID-style spending — without the pandemic," Hakimian said in a post on X.
Goldman Sachs' economist Alec Phillips highlighted that Moody's recent U.S. credit rating downgrade was influenced by the bill's trajectory, stating, "Markets are already attuned to fiscal risks… early August remains our base case for enactment."
<h1 class="wp-block-heading">How The House Tax Bill Could Shake Up Different Sectors</h1>
According to CBO projections, the bill increases the deficit in three key government areas — meaning more spending is likely ahead:
<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li>Judiciary: $7 billion (deficit increase)</li>
<li>Armed Services: $144 billion</li>
<li>Homeland Security: $67 billion</li>
</ul>
This suggests significant boosts to military procurement, border enforcement and law enforcement infrastructure. These sectors could benefit from rising federal contracts and equipment orders, with likely beneficiaries including the iShares U.S. Aerospace &amp; Defense ETF (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/ITA#NYSE">ITA</a>) and the First Trust Nasdaq Cybersecurity ETF (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/CIBR#NASDAQ">CIBR</a>).
At the core of the bill is the Ways &amp; Means Committee, responsible for all tax policy, Social Security, Medicare, unemployment benefits and tariffs. This section alone accounts for $3.775 trillion of the total deficit increase.
Other areas of the budget plan reflect deficit reductions, which generally imply spending cuts or revenue gains. These include:
<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li>Energy &amp; Commerce: -988 billion (deficit reduction).</li>
<li>Agriculture: -$238 billion</li>
<li>Education &amp; Workforce: -$349 billion</li>
<li>Financial Services: -$5 billion</li>
<li>Natural Resources: -$20 billion</li>
<li>Oversight &amp; Government Reform: -$51 billion</li>
<li>Transportation &amp; Infrastructure: -$37 billion</li>
</ul>
Potential ETF losers include Invesco WilderHill Clean Energy ETF (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/PBW#NYSE">PBW</a>), iShares MSCI Agriculture Producers ETF (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/VEGI#NYSE">VEGI</a>), and iShares U.S. Transportation ETF (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/IYT#NYSE">IYT</a>), given expected cuts to renewables subsidies, rural and transportation programs.
<figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"> 
<div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500" data-dnt="true">&#x1f1fa;&#x1f1f8; CBO&#39;s First Score of House Reconciliation Bill &#8211; CRFB<a href="https://t.co/iFM00ypPuM">https://t.co/iFM00ypPuM</a> <a href="https://t.co/JmkCrJ8W3q">pic.twitter.com/JmkCrJ8W3q</a>
&mdash; Christophe Barraud&#x1f6e2;&#x1f433; (@C_Barraud) <a href="https://twitter.com/C_Barraud/status/1925540653607395776?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 22, 2025</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
</figure>
<h1 class="wp-block-heading">Market Reactions</h1>
Initial market reactions hit the solar and renewables sectors, which suffered the brunt of market fallout. With many solar tax subsidies ended, the Invesco Solar ETF (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/TAN#NASDAQ">TAN</a>) fell 9% on Thursday. Among key names:
<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li>Sunrun Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/RUN#NASDAQ">RUN</a>) collapsed 40%</li>
<li>SolarEdge Technologies Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/SEDG#NASDAQ">SEDG</a>) dropped 26%</li>
<li>Enphase Energy Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/ENPH#NASDAQ">ENPH</a>) fell 19%</li>
<li>First Solar Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/FSLR#NASDAQ">FSLR</a>) declined 4%</li>
</ul>
Abigail Ross Hopper, CEO of the Solar Energy Industries Association, warned the bill would "upend an economic boom," potentially leading to blackouts and a strategic loss to China in the global AI race.
"This bill is willfully ignorant of the fact that deploying solar and storage is the only way the U.S. power grid can meet demand&#8230; If it becomes law, America will effectively surrender the AI race to China."
In contrast, consumer-related stocks rallied, buoyed by expectations of tax relief and increased household spending power. The SPDR S&amp;P Retail ETF (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/XRT#NYSE">XRT</a>) climbed 1.5%, led by Advance Auto Parts (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AAP#NYSE">AAP</a>), which soared 42% after a blowout earnings report.
Within tech-focused defense names, Palantir Technologies Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/PLTR#NASDAQ">PLTR</a>) jumped 4.5%, while cybersecurity leader CrowdStrike Holdings Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/CRWD#NASDAQ">CRWD</a>) gained 2.6%. 
Read Now:
<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/economics/macro-economic-events/25/05/45567476/us-business-activity-rebounds-in-may-but-tariff-fueled-inflation-surges-at-fastest-pace-in-3-years">US Business Activity Rebounds In May, But Tariff-Fueled Inflation Surges At Fastest Pace In 3 Years</a> Photo: iQoncept via Shutterstock<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/economics/macro-economic-events/25/05/45567476/us-business-activity-rebounds-in-may-but-tariff-fueled-inflation-surges-at-fastest-pace-in-3-years"> </a></li>
</ul>

Analyst Color

Equities

Government

Large Cap

Macro Economic Events

Regulations

Sector ETFs

Bonds

Treasuries

Economics

Analyst Ratings

Trading Ideas

CIBR

CRWD

ENPH

FSLR

iShares Dow Jones US Aerospace & Defense Index Fund

iShares Dow Jones Transportation Average Index Fund

PowerShares Exchange Traded Fund Trust WilderHill Clean Energy Portfolio

PLTR

SEDG

VEGI

Big Tax Cuts, Big Deficits: Wall Street Winners And Losers Emerge

Amidst a week of market volatility, heightened by a weak Treasury auction and a jump in long-term yields, some of America&#8217;s largest retailers posted first-quarter profits that indicate the consumer machine might be slowing. The <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/etfs">retail proxy ETF market</a>, so hotly followed, is getting shaken. This is how leading funds are positioned in response to the prevailing mood:
VanEck Retail ETF (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/RTH#NASDAQ">RTH</a>): 
Exposure: Market cap-weighted, heavily skewed towards Amazon (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AMZN#NASDAQ">AMZN</a>), Home Depot (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/HD#NYSE">HD</a>), and Walmart (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/WMT#NYSE">WMT</a>).
Impact: RTH could be slightly more durable, given Amazon&#8217;s ongoing e-commerce strength and Walmart&#8217;s focus on essentials. However, <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/25/05/45536218/walmart-responds-to-trumps-eat-the-tariff-remark-worked-to-keep-our-prices-as-low-as-possible-and-we-wont-stop" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Walmart&#8217;s tariff warning</a> introduces a risk factor to this fund.
ProShares Online Retail ETF (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/ONLN#NYSE">ONLN</a>)
Exposure: Concentrates on digital-native retailers such as Amazon and Chewy (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/CHWY#NYSE">CHWY</a>).
Impact: A shift to e-commerce, accelerated by inflation fatigue and convenience demands, could support ONLN. Target and Lowe's are leaning into digital services, which may benefit ONLN's broader theme.
Amplify Online Retail ETF (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/IBUY#NYSE">IBUY</a>)
Exposure: A mix of U.S. and global e-commerce platforms. Amazon, Chewy, Wayfair (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/W#NYSE">W</a>) are among its top holdings.
Impact: Legacy players&#8217; renewed emphasis on convenience, expedited delivery, and promotions can drive competition for IBUY and ONLN members—but also affirm the long-term e-retail expansion story.
Also Read:<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/etfs/specialty-etfs/25/05/45551463/ishares-tlt-falls-to-6-month-low-on-moodys-us-credit-downgrade-rising-yields"> iShares TLT Hits 6-Month Low After Weak Treasury Auction</a>
What&#8217;s Happening In the Retail World?
Target (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/TGT#NYSE">TGT</a>) took the cautionary lead, reducing its full-year earnings estimate to $7.00–$9.00 a share, from an earlier $8.80–$8.90. The firm <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/25/05/45540759/target-stock-slips-as-q1-earnings-miss-estimates-fy2025-outlook-cut-amid-slowing-sales">fell short of the top- and bottom-line estimates </a>with sales of $23.85 billion that missed the consensus and decreased by 2.79% YoY. Management attributed the marked decline in discretionary spending and the more conservative U.S. consumer. The company stock was down 5.2% on Wednesday.
Meanwhile, Lowe's (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/LOW#NYSE">LOW</a>) narrowly beat earnings expectations with $2.92 per share but posted a 2.03% YOY <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/25/05/45548489/jpms-take-on-lowes-mixed-q1-highlights-weather-headwinds-and-gross-margin-strength">decline in revenue</a>. The retailer maintained its full-year guidance, signaling steady, if uninspiring, confidence. Its message echoed Target's: high interest rates and economic uncertainty are reshaping consumer priorities. LOW was down 1.7% on Wednesday.
TJX Companies (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/TJX#NYSE">TJX</a>) <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/earnings/25/05/45540766/tjx-boosts-q1-sales-with-more-shoppers-says-tariffs-wont-hurt-2026-outlook">stood firm on its perspective</a>, subject to existing tariff rates not changing. That position, though, did little to support shares, which declined 2.8% in tandem with peers. Walmart and Home Depot, in prior comments, emphasized the pricing squeeze of fresh tariffs, with Walmart cautioning for potential increases while Home Depot vowed to cover costs.
Tariffs, Yields, And The Retailer&#8217;s Dilemma
The macro backdrop is compounding retail headwinds. The 10-year Treasury yield climbed toward 4.6% and the 30-year breached 5% after a lackluster $16 billion auction in 20-year bonds, stoking fears of a higher-for-longer rate regime. With borrowing costs elevated, big-ticket purchases and home improvement projects are being shelved, a scenario confirmed by Lowe's soft revenue.
Tariffs are the other elephant in the shopping aisle. Retailers facing Chinese imports are rethinking pricing and supply chain strategies, but consumers have only so much tolerance for higher prices. Walmart&#8217;s caution is in stark contrast with Target&#8217;s vow to keep increases in check, a risk that could strain margins.
A Sector In Search Of A Spark
Retail ETFs continue to be a gauge of consumer spending and attitudes. The prevailing story—declining foot traffic, lagging discretionary sales, and economic conservatism—supports the view that funds such as XRT and RTH could be stuck in their ranges or lag unless attitudes shift or there are earnings surprises.
The bright spots? Retailers doubling down on digital tools, delivery innovation, and loyalty perks may insulate themselves from broader weakness. Investors should watch for ETF managers rebalancing exposure toward more resilient names—especially those boosting digital margins or catering to professional buyers, as Lowe's is attempting.
With warning lights flashing on the U.S. consumer horizon, retail ETFs are taking a hit. Investors would be wise to follow not only earnings, but forward guidance and how retailers are responding. In a more discerning market than ever, the right retail exposure may be the difference-maker.
Read Next: 
<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/25/05/45550710/investors-ditch-us-stocks-as-international-etfs-hit-52-week-highs-heres-whats-driving-the-portfolio-pivot">Investors Ditch US Stocks As International ETFs Hit 52-Week Highs, Here&#8217;s What&#8217;s Driving The Portfolio Pivot</a></li>
</ul>
Photo: Aksana Mestnaya/Shutterstock

AMZN

CHWY

IBUY

ONLN

Merrill Lynch Retail HOLDRS Trust due 12/31/41

Retail ETFs Rattle As Tariffs, Yields, Consumer Caution Pressure Big-Box Stocks

WIIM

BOOT

BURL

DECK

LULU

Shares of retail and apparel stocks are trading higher on reports that China's Commerce Ministry is assessing possible trade talks with the US. Potential trade talks could ease some supply chain and consumer uncertainty in the sector.

The U.S. retail sector is facing potential shortages in key consumer product areas as the ongoing trade war with China leads to a decrease in manufacturing orders and freight bookings, pushing the national supply chain towards a critical point.
What Happened: The U.S. supply chain is nearing a tipping point due to&nbsp;a decline in manufacturing orders&nbsp;and freight vessel bookings from China. Apparel and footwear, sectors heavily dependent on Chinese imports, are particularly at risk. In 2024, China accounted for&nbsp;37% of all U.S. apparel&nbsp;imports and&nbsp;58% of all U.S. footwear&nbsp;imports. The sudden implementation of tariffs left companies with little time to adjust their sourcing strategies, <a href="https://www.cnbc.com/2025/04/24/unsustainable-china-trade-war-retail-shortage-warnings.html">reported </a>CNBC. 
Companies are bracing for a range of impacts, including price increases and wary consumers. Orders for high-value items have spiked in anticipation of price hikes. Supply chain experts predict that lower-end stores, which rely on low-cost imports, will feel the effects of the tariffs most acutely, especially if they maintain lean inventory levels.
Supply chain expert Casey&nbsp;Armstrong predicts&nbsp;the first signs of empty&nbsp;shelves in areas dominated by price-sensitive imports, such as toys, games, back-to-school items, budget home goods, and apparel. He also expects shortages in fast fashion and apparel items, low-cost home goods, and consumer electronics supply like phones, earbuds. 
"These are the canaries in the coal mine of a disrupted supply chain," Armstrong told CNBC.
Meanwhile, Jonathan Gold from the National Retail Federation stated, "The uncertainty around the tariffs is challenging for businesses, especially for small businesses that are currently preparing for critical winter holiday orders."
SEE ALSO:&nbsp;<a href="https://benzinga.com/25/04/45003790/mark-cuban-slams-amazon-for-ripping-off-american-sellers-as-tariffs-are-predicted-to-boost-ecommerce-brands-profi" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Mark Cuban Slams Amazon For &#8216;Ripping Off American Sellers&#8217; As Trump Tariffs Are Predicted To Boost Ecommerce Brands&#8217; Profits</a>
Why It Matters: The potential retail shortages come in the wake of President Donald Trump&#8216;s <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/government/regulations/25/04/44977395/trump-backs-off-firing-powell-after-walmart-target-ceos-warn-him-of-empty-store-shelves">softened </a>stance on his trade war with China, following warnings from top retailers about the risk of empty shelves. Earlier this week, CEOs of major retailers like Walmart (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/WMT#NYSE">WMT</a>), Target (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/TGT#NYSE">TGT</a>), and Home Depot (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/HD#NYSE">HD</a>) met with Trump and warned him of the tightening supply lines due to his trade policies.
Earlier in April, Trump&#8217;s decision to end de minimis exemptions had already put <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/25/04/44640798/trump-ends-de-minimis-exemptions-shopify-bigcommerce-and-lightspeed-face-new-headwinds">e-commerce</a> platforms such as&nbsp;Shopify Inc.&nbsp;(NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/SHOP#NYSE">SHOP</a>),&nbsp;Bigcommerce Holdings Inc.&nbsp;(NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/BIGC#NASDAQ">BIGC</a>), and&nbsp;Lightspeed Commerce Inc.&nbsp;(NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/LSPD#NYSE">LSPD</a>) under pressure, making them &#8216;most exposed&#8217; to the ongoing trade tensions.
The looming retail shortages underline the far-reaching impacts of the U.S.-China trade war, affecting not just manufacturing and merchandise but also software and service providers.
SPDR S&amp;P Retail ETF (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/XRT#NYSE">XRT</a>) declined nearly 3% over the past month while VanEck Retail ETF (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/RTH#NASDAQ">RTH</a>) edged 0.8% lower, according to data from <a href="http://pro.benzinga.com">Benzinga Pro.</a>
<ul>
<li>READ MORE:&nbsp;<a href="https://benzinga.com/25/04/44999320/japans-counterpunch-to-trump-tariffs-emergency-measures-deployed-as-us-trade-talks-loom" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Japan&#8217;s Counterpunch To Trump Tariffs: Emergency Measures Deployed As US Trade Talks Loom</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.

News

Markets

BIGC

LSPD

SHOP

Shoes, Toys, Apparel And Earbuds May Disappear From Shelves First As US-China Trade War Disrupts Supply Chains, Retail Experts Warn

ADNT

AENT

APTV

ATAT

BABA

BKNG

BROS

BYON

CANG

CAVA

CLEU

COLA

CROX

DKNG

DOGZ

ELYS

EVGO

FEDU

FIVE

GENI

GOLF

GROV

HLLY

HSAI

HTHT

IRBT

JBLU

LAUR

NCLH

PENN

PSNYW

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Select Sector SPDR-Consumer Discretionary

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Shares of companies in the broader consumer discretionary sector are trading higher after President Trump indicated tariffs against China will be lowered and trade tensions may de-escalate. Tariff concerns have weighed on the sector this year due to their expected impact on consumer spending.

Shares of retail and consumer discretionary stocks are trading higher following US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent's reported remarks about trade de-escalation with China. De-escalation with China could reduce supply chain uncertainty and boost consumer sentiment.

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Shares of companies in the broader consumer discretionary sector are trading higher amid Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent's remarks about trade de-escalation with China, which may relieve potential cost pressures for the consumer and lead to an uptick in spending.

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Shares of companies within the broader consumer discretionary sector are trading lower amid overall market weakness and investor concerns over deteriorating trade relationships.

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Shares of retail, apparel and e-commerce stocks are trading higher. Some stocks in the sector may be higher amid hopes of a US-China trade deal. Additionally, discount store stocks could be benefitting from broader economic concerns. E-commerce stocks may also be up up Chinese discount retailers Temu and Shein planning to increase prices.

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Shares of companies in the broader retail and apparel sector are trading lower as stocks pull back after surging Wednesday following President Trump's tariff pause announcement.

CORRECTION: Retail Stocks Are Lower

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Shares of retail and apparel stocks are trading lower as investors weigh the potential impacts of tariffs on the sector. Economic uncertainty could also cloud consumer spending outlook.

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Shares of companies within retail, apparel, and e-commerce industries are trading lower amid heavy selling pressure as markets react to President Trump's tariff announcements, which may hamper consumer spending.

Shares of retail, apparel, and e-commerce companies are trading higher. Investors may be interpreting the release of better-than-expected ADP employment data as a sign of strength for the industry.

Shares of e-commerce, retail, and apparel stocks are trading lower following greater-than-expected inflation data measured through the PCE price index for February, while personal spending missed estimates. Additionally, recent tariff announcements may be weighing on equities.

Shares of retail, apparel, and e-commerce companies are trading higher amid overall market strength on reports of potentially narrowed or targeted tariffs, which may be easing investor concerns.

The U.S. retail market had a bit of a rollercoaster start to 2025. February <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/economics/macro-economic-events/25/03/44355195/retail-sales-rebound-less-than-expected-in-february-online-healthcare-spending-show-strong-gains">retail sales</a> <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/economics/macro-economic-events/25/03/44355195/retail-sales-rebound-less-than-expected-in-february-online-healthcare-spending-show-strong-gains">edged up a modest 0.2%</a>, but that came after a steep downward revision for January, which now clocks in at a 1.2% decline. Economists were looking for a more robust bounce-back of about 0.6%, but consumer spending couldn&#8217;t quite match it.
For investors, this is a key question: what does this imply for <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/etfs">retail-oriented ETFs</a>? Because these ETFs follow the performance of retail stocks, they can take a hit from changes in consumer consumption. Let&#8217;s look at how recent retail data may affect these ETFs and what to expect next.
How Retail ETFs Are Reacting
Retail ETFs such as the SPDR S&amp;P Retail ETF (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/XRT#NYSE">XRT</a>) and VanEck Retail ETF (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/RTH#NASDAQ">RTH</a>) provide investors with broad exposure to the industry. When consumers are spending more, these ETFs perform well. But when sales are weak, the effect can be uneven based on what is behind the numbers. In the past month, XRT has dipped as much as 13.93% and RTH, 7.42%.
February&#8217;s softer-than-expected growth might cause some short-term volatility, but not every sector of retail is suffering. Online shopping and health-related retail strength might see some ETFs perform better than others.
Also Read: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/personal-finance/25/03/44360075/retail-giant-target-which-relies-on-china-for-30-of-its-merchandise-warns-of-profit-hit-as-trumps-trade-war-bites">Retail Giant Target, Which Relies On China For 30% Of Its Merchandise, Warns Of Profit Hit As Trump&#8217;s Trade War Bites</a>
Here&#8217;s a closer examination:
XRT, an equal-weighted fund, might come under some pressure because it distributes investments among a broad spectrum of retailers, some of which are suffering.
RTH, which relies more heavily on the likes of Amazon and Walmart, might fare better with the continued e-commerce strength.
Vanguard Consumer Discretionary Index Fund ETF (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/VCR#NYSE">VCR</a>), which is exposed to brick-and-mortar as well as online stores, may have mixed results based on how various retail categories perform.
Dissecting The Retail Sales Figures
Based on the most recent U.S. Census Bureau report, here&#8217;s how retail sales held up:
<ul>
<li>February sales increased 0.2%—a modest increase but not the recovery economists were looking for.</li>
<li>January sales were revised to a 1.2% decline, emphasizing a softer beginning to the year.</li>
<li>Year-over-year, retail sales increased 3.1%, decelerating from the prior 3.9%.</li>
</ul>
Not all categories fared poorly, however. Online stores experienced a 2.4% increase in sales, demonstrating ongoing demand for e-commerce.
Health and personal care stores reported a 1.7% increase.
Excluding auto sales and gasoline stations, retail sales actually increased 0.5%, higher than the expected 0.4%.
The control group measure, which removes more erratic sectors, increased 1%, a robust bounce back from January&#8217;s 1% fall.
A number of factors probably held down consumer spending. 
<ul>
<li>Inflation is continuing to nibble at purchasing power, so shoppers are being more careful. </li>
<li>Increased interest rates might be deterring major purchases.</li>
<li>January&#8217;s weakness might have lingered, as shoppers pulled back after the holidays. </li>
<li>Changing consumer spending, with greater emphasis on necessities over discretionary goods.</li>
</ul>
While the disappointing top-line number is concerning, there are some silver linings in sight. The fact that online sales were strong indicates that e-commerce retailers continue to draw shoppers. That&#8217;s a plus for ETFs that have heavy exposure to e-commerce stocks.
What&#8217;s Next For Retail ETFs?
While retail sales missed the mark, sector-specific strength—particularly in e-commerce—may cushion the blow for some ETFs. Investors will want to watch inflation, interest rates, and overall consumer sentiment in the months ahead.
For those who want to ride out possible volatility, diversification within the retail space may be the way to go. Although broad retail ETFs may face some stress, those funds that have greater exposure to well-performing sub-sectors such as e-retail and medical products could be in better shape in the near term.
Read Next: 
<ul>
<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/25/03/44363430/covered-call-etfs-a-smart-income-play-in-volatile-markets">Covered Call ETFs: A Smart Income Play In Volatile Markets</a></li>
</ul>
Photo: Shutterstock

Consumer Spending Stumbles: Time To Buy The Dip In Retail ETFs?

U.S. retail sales edged up only slightly in February, falling well short of expectations and keeping alive concerns about consumer strength <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/economics/macro-economic-events/25/03/44355195/retail-sales-rebound-less-than-expected-in-february-online-healthcare-spending-show-strong-gains">after January's dire contraction.</a>
Yet, a closer look at the latest data continues to reveal pockets of resilience leaving investors and economists debating whether consumer demand is cooling or simply shifting. 
In data released Monday by the U.S. Census Bureau, the retail sales figure showed a 0.2% monthly growth in February, following a downwardly revised 1.2% drop in January. The headline figure missed economist estimates of 0.6%. 
<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Far From Being An Outright Recession</h3>
&#8220;The unfavorable surprise on U.S. headline retail sales—monthly growth of 0.2% compared to the consensus forecast of 0.6%—was not reflected in the other numbers in this data release,&#8221; said Mohamed El-Erian, chief economic advisor at Allianz.
A particularly important measure, known as the retail sales &#8220;control group&#8221;—which excludes spending at auto dealers, building materials, gas stations, office supply stores, mobile home dealers, and tobacco retailers—jumped 1% in February. This fully offset January's 1% decline and handily beat estimates of a modest 0.2% gain.
This control group is closely watched because it feeds directly into GDP calculations, making it a key indicator of underlying consumer demand. 
Joseph Brusuelas, chief economist at RSM US LP, said the data remains consistent with a slowing but still solid pace of household spending. 
&#8220;On a three-month average annualized pace, the control group advanced 2.6%,&#8221; Brusuelas said. &#8220;Yes, the economy is slowing, but not in line with anything near a recession yet.&#8221;
<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Restaurants And Bars See Sharp Drops</h3>
Not all areas of consumer spending fared well. 
One of the most striking data points was the decline in restaurant and bar sales, which fell 1.54% in February—the largest drop since February 2023, as highlighted by Kevin Gordon, senior investment strategist at Charles Schwabb. 
&#8220;Over the last three months, restaurant sales have collapsed 8.5% at an annual rate,&#8221; Reinassance Macro Research indicated.
This pullback suggests that discretionary spending may be softening as households become more selective about where to spend their money.
&#8220;Notable weakness in restaurants and bars—the largest decline in two years—with no growth over the last three months,&#8221; Gregory Daco, chief economist at Ernst &amp; Young US, said. 
&#8220;Spending growth at restaurant chains decelerated from -1.7% in January to -7.5% in February while spending at independent restaurants turned negative, failing from +2.6% in January to -2.7% in February,&#8221; Sara Senatore, analyst at Bank of America, wrote in a note Monday.
&#8220;We believe this sequential&nbsp;deceleration is largely a combination of negative weather trends that worsened from January and the impact of calendar shifts, including one less day (2024 had a leap day) and the Valentine&#8217;s Day shift from a Wednesday in 2024 to a Friday in 2025,&#8221; she added. 
<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Market Reaction: Consumer Staples Rally, Discretionary Stocks Lag</h3>
Stocks tied to non-discretionary consumer spending saw a solid rebound Monday, as investors rotated into defensive plays. 
The Consumer Staples Select Sector SPDR Fund (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/XLP#NYSE">XLP</a>) rose 0.9%, led by Brown-Forman Corp. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/BF#NYSE">BF</a>), which surged 2.8% on the back of rising U.S.-Europe trade tensions over whiskey tariffs. 
Other major gainers included Archer-Daniels-Midland Company (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/ADM#NYSE">ADM</a>), The Estée Lauder Companies Inc. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/EL#NYSE">EL</a>), and Constellation Brands Inc. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/STZ#NYSE">STZ</a>), all of which climbed about 2%.
Meanwhile, the SPDR S&amp;P Retail ETF (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/XRT#NYSE">XRT</a>) gained 1.1%, with notable jumps from Guess Inc. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/GES#NYSE">GES</a>), up 32%, EVgo Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/EVGO#NASDAQ">EVGO</a>), up 7%, and American Eagle Outfitters (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AEO#NYSE">AEO</a>), up 6.8%.
However, the consumer discretionary sector struggled to gain traction. 
The Consumer Discretionary Select Sector SPDR Fund (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/XLY#NYSE">XLY</a>) inched up just 0.1%, weighed down by concerns over spending cutbacks. Still, a few travel and leisure names saw gains, with Airbnb Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/ABNB#NASDAQ">ABNB</a>), eBay Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/EBAY#NASDAQ">EBAY</a>), Carnival Corp. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/CCL#NYSE">CCL</a>), and Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/NCLH#NYSE">NCLH</a>) each rising around 3%.
Read Next: 
<ul>
<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/trading-ideas/long-ideas/25/03/44356114/top-3-tech-stocks-that-are-preparing-to-pump-this-quarter">Top 3 Tech Stocks That Are Preparing To Pump This Quarter</a></li>
</ul>
Image created using artificial intelligence via Midjourney.

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Restaurant Sales Sink: Recession Warning Or Just Weather-Driven Dip?

The SPDR S&P Retail ETF is higher as stocks across sector rebound following recent weakness.

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