It's 'economic blackout' day as campaign encourages Americans not to spend for 24 hours

The economic blackout could lead to short-term declines in sales for major retail companies impacted by the boycott. Walmart, Target, and McDonald's may experience negative impacts on their stock prices due to reduced consumer spending and heightened scrutiny over their business practices. Given this context, investors should be cautious with stocks heavily involved in this controversy as they may face downward pressure from market sentiment.

Companies like Costco, which maintain a positive stance towards DEI and are not part of the boycott campaign, could see a positive reflection in their stock performance as consumers may shift their purchases away from boycotted retailers. Costco's increase in foot traffic suggests it could benefit from the current retail landscape, positioning it favorably in comparison to its competitors.