Aug 20, 2026 · 8 min
Ross Stores beats estimates as Walmart posts slowest growth in six years
Closing Bell: Ross Stores Sales Beat, Crypto Stocks Rally, SpaceX Slips
The latest market close reveals a stark divergence in retail performance alongside regulatory optimism fueling a fresh cryptocurrency rally.
- 1Ross Stores outperformed second-quarter street estimates by capturing increased transaction volume from Gen Z shoppers.
- 2Walmart reported its slowest domestic sales growth in six years, signaling potential headwinds for traditional retail.
- 3A meeting between the President and industry CEOs helped spark a major rally in crypto-related stocks.
The brief
Discount retail is finding a surprising new demographic stronghold. Ross Stores beat second-quarter market expectations, driven by an unexpected surge in popularity among Gen Z shoppers looking for value without sacrificing style.
While discount retail thrives, the traditional retail giant Walmart is showing signs of friction. The company reported its slowest sales growth in the United States in six years, signaling a potential shift in broader consumer spending habits.
Beyond retail, the crypto market is experiencing renewed momentum. A high-profile meeting between the President and cryptocurrency executives, paired with a Bitcoin surge, has sparked a major rally for digital asset stocks.
What was said on this episode
8 statements · 6 positive · 2 negative
Ross Stores raised its outlook for the third and fourth quarters.
“The company now saying they're raising their outlook for both the third and the fourth quarters”
Listen at 2:05
Ross Stores growth was supported by new customers and higher existing-customer engagement.
“the growth was supported by an increase in new customers and higher engagement from existing customers”
Listen at 2:11
Ross Stores performed well among 18-to-24-year-old shoppers.
“Ross did pretty well with the 18 to 24 year old crowd”
Listen at 2:18
The President's meeting with crypto executives and lobbyists gave crypto stocks momentum.
“the President's meeting with crypto CEOs and lobbyists that has given this sector some momentum over the last two days”
Listen at 3:11
Crypto stocks had a strong bullish two-day run.
“that sector really has had a very strong bullish two day run here”
Listen at 3:48
Deere raised the lower end of its annual profit outlook.
“the manufacturer of tractors raising the lower end of its annual profit outlook”
Listen at 4:01
Walmart reported its slowest U.S. sales growth in six years.
“They did report the slowest U.S. sales growth in six years.”
Listen at 4:32
SpaceX stock dropped about 4% in the session.
“It did drop about 4% today.”
Listen at 5:32
Statements are attributed to the speaker as said on the episode and reflect their view at the time, not PodLume's. They are not advice.
Featuring
Romaine Bostick
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