Stock market today: S&P 500, Dow, Nasdaq futures retreat as investors eye Walmart outlook

Published On Feb 20, 2025, 8:06 AM

U.S. stock futures have retreated as investors react to Walmart's cautious outlook for 2025, despite the company beating expectations for Q4 earnings. Walmart's shares dropped significantly in pre-market trading due to concerns over future challenges, influenced in part by President Trump's recent policy shifts, including tariffs affecting corporations. Investors are also showing caution around potential Federal Reserve responses regarding interest rates amidst geopolitical tensions.

Stock Forecasts

WMT

Negative

Walmart reported strong earnings but provided a cautious outlook for 2025, negatively impacting its stock price. This outlook indicates potential challenges for the retail sector as it navigates inflation and economic pressures.

SPY

Negative

Overall market sentiment is impacted by the cautious outlook from Walmart and geopolitical uncertainties, including changes in U.S. policy. This creates a challenging environment for stock prices in the near-term.

Related News

Walmart reported strong quarterly results, continuing to benefit from an increase in higher earners who were purchasing more groceries and discretionary items.

The retail giant continues to attract shoppers from across the income spectrum, but faces headwinds from the squeeze of stubborn inflation and risk of tariffs.

The S&P 500 notched another all-time high. But at the same time, the market mood isn't particularly great. For good reason.