US Stocks Retreat Amid Walmart Downturn, Geopolitical Tensions and Tariff Concerns



Key Takeaways:

* DJIA lost 1.3%, S&P 500 down 0.7%, Nasdaq Composite fell 0.8%.
* Walmart's subdued 2025 outlook dragged down retail stocks.
* Trump's planned military spending cuts impacted Palantir shares.
* Gold surged to a record high as investors sought safe havens.

Market Volatility:

US stocks experienced a pullback on Thursday as investors digested disappointing earnings from Walmart (WMT) and navigated geopolitical and policy shifts. The Dow Jones Industrial Average (DJIA) declined by nearly 1.3%, while the S&P 500 (GSPC) lost 0.7% and the tech-heavy Nasdaq Composite (IXIC) retreated by 0.8%.

Corporate Earnings:

Walmart's downbeat forecast for 2025 overshadowed its strong quarterly results, sending shares down approximately 6%. Its outlook raised concerns about headwinds for corporate America. Meanwhile, Palantir (PLTR) stock continued to fall amid concerns over the impact of Pentagon spending cuts.

Geopolitical Concerns:

Tensions between President Trump and Ukraine's president heightened geopolitical fears, leading investors to seek refuge in safe-haven assets such as gold.

Policy Impact:

Trump's proposed tariffs have prompted businesses like General Motors (GM) to consider significant adjustments. Additionally, the Federal Reserve's cautious stance in light of White House policies dampened market sentiment.

Amazon's James Bond Acquisition:

Amazon Studios (AMZN) acquired creative control of the "James Bond" franchise, gaining access to its vast catalog and intellectual property.

Delta's Compensation Offer:

Delta Air Lines (DAL) offered $30,000 each to passengers on a flight that crash-landed in Toronto, but the offer does not preclude potential lawsuits.

Sector Performance:

Consumer Discretionary (XLC) and Financials (XLF) sectors led market declines, while Healthcare (XLV) and Energy (XLE) held steady.

Outlook:

Investors remain cautious as they assess the potential impact of Trump's evolving tariff policies and the broader geopolitical landscape. The market's direction will likely hinge on these factors in the coming days and weeks.