Walmart said U.S. customer transactions were flat but spent 3% more at stores. Sam's Club sales and comparable sales surged as more members signed up.
WMT
WMT
Home Depot said March quarter sales increased 3.8% and net income rose 2.1% after comparable sales at the U.S. locations rose 1.7%. The transaction size jumped 11% but the number of transactions fell 8.2%.
HD
HD
U.S. market indexes gained after three days of lackluster trading. Stocks in technology, resource, and consumer sectors drove the advance. Crude oil and U.S. benchmark bond yields increased. Home Depot and Walmart reported diverging quarterly results.
In choppy trading market indexes lacked direction as stock market battled inflation worries, crude oil advanced on higher demand expectations, and the bond market forecasted rising rates.
Asian markets traded in a tight range with negative bias after April sales declined more than expected and production contracted in China. Switzerland-based Holcim agreed to sell its stakes in India for $10 billion.
Rebound in tech stocks in New York spread to the energy patch and lifted market indexes in Europe trimming weekly losses. Germany led the market advance in Europe. Crude oil jumped 4% inching closer to a 10-year high.
U.S. stocks advanced in pre-market trading after bargain hunters returned searching for stock in the beaten down tech stocks. Energy gained on the sustained rise in crude oil prices. European industrial production falls in April. Asian markets react to local news.
April inflation data stoked worries that the Fed may have to act sooner and harsher than later and lighter in taming inflation. Stocks plunged in the afternoon after a failed attempt to rally and Apple, Microsoft, Tesla, and Meta dropped between 4% and 7%.
Callaway Golf quarterly revenues rose on the back of a broad recovery in equipment sales and venue revenues. The company also lifted annual revenue outlook range.
ELY
ELY
Electronic Arts March quarter results were ahead of expectations and the game publisher increased dividend 12% and repurchased $1.3 billion of shares. The company also plans to end its partnership with FIFA.
EA
EA
U.S. stocks turned positive after the latest inflation data showed elevated rate in April. European markets rose between 1% and 2% and German inflation reached record high in April. Asian markets closed mixed.