Walmart, Goldman Sachs, JD Power warn of consumer stress

Macro
โดย Moneywise·US·Read original
Summary · why it matters

Walmart, Goldman Sachs, and JD Power are issuing red alerts over U.S. consumers, with Walmart CEO John Furner citing fuel prices as a key stress point and noting increased signs of stress at lower income levels. Goldman Sachs expects real consumer-spending growth to slow to between 1% and 1.5% in the second half of 2026, down from 2.5% in June, citing fading tax refund boosts and elevated energy prices. JD Power's Financial Health Report found 66% of U.S. consumers were financially unhealthy in July, with 77% changing spending habits, and 29% taking actions indicating serious financial distress. The report also highlighted that 27% cut back on groceries or skipped meals, 18% borrowed from friends or family, and 9% missed rent or mortgage payments. These pressures reflect cumulative price increases since 2020: food up 34%, housing up 33%, and energy up nearly 43%, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Impact on stocks 2

Consumer Staples▼ · 1 stocks
Walmart Inc.
WMT
▼ NegativeDemandrelevance

Walmart CEO cites fuel prices and increased stress at lower income levels, signaling reduced consumer spending.

Financials▼ · 1 stocks
Goldman Sachs Group Inc
GS
▼ NegativeDemandrelevance

Goldman Sachs expects real consumer-spending growth to slow, indicating weaker demand for its services.

Off-coverage companies 1

J.D. PowerPrivate▼ Negative
Demandrelevance

JD Power's report shows 66% of consumers financially unhealthy, with many cutting back on spending.

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