NASDAQ:STX 26 February 2026 - 19 May 2026

May 21, 2026, 9:44 AM EDT. American consumers continue robust spending despite widespread economic dissatisfaction, supporting a resilient retail sector. Recent earnings reports from Walmart, Target, Home Depot, and Lowe's exceeded expectations, signaling optimism amid persistent inflation projected through 2026. Analysts note increased spending fueled by larger tax refunds and high-income earners benefiting from strong stock market returns. Core retail sales, excluding volatile sectors like energy, rose 0.5% in April, highlighting sustained consumer demand. This paradoxical trend contrasts with record-low consumer confidence and negative public sentiment about the economy and political leadership, according to University of Michigan and CNN polls. Retailers report spending growth across diverse income groups, underscoring the complex dynamics of American consumer behavior in the post-pandemic economy.