Walmart's cautious outlook raises concerns over consumer spending

Walmart Inc. reported strong second-quarter earnings on August 18, 2026, with a net income of $6.37 billion. However, the retailer's cautious full-year outlook led to a nearly 6 percent drop in shares. Comparable sales rose 2.6 percent, but the guidance for the third quarter and full year fell below analyst expectations, reflecting growing consumer pessimism amid rising costs for essentials.