Consumer Confidence Hits 12-Year Low as Americans Brace for Economic Uncertainty
U.S. consumer confidence plunged to its lowest level since 2012, with the Conference Board's index dropping 7.2 points amid inflation concerns and trade policy shifts. Major retailers like Walmart and Target are already seeing impacts, while business leaders grow increasingly pessimistic about recession risks.
Walmart's $2.3B Vizio Acquisition Bolsters Connected TV Advertising Strategy
Walmart finalizes its $2.3 billion acquisition of Vizio, strategically expanding into connected TV advertising and data analytics. The deal combines Vizio's TV data with Walmart's shopper information, positioning the retail giant to compete against major streaming platforms while maintaining Vizio's independent operations.
Walgreens Stock Rises Despite $5.9B Loss as Strategic Restructuring Takes Shape
Walgreens Boots Alliance saw its shares climb despite reporting a massive quarterly loss driven by VillageMD write-downs. Investors were encouraged by strong pharmacy sales growth and aggressive restructuring plans under new CEO Tim Wentworth.