New York, Jan 13, 2026, 11:14 ET — Regular session
- Costco shares slipped roughly 1.3%, dragged down by fresh U.S. inflation figures and some early earnings reports.
- The stock bucked the trend set by some big-box peers, even though Costco climbed higher the day before.
- Upcoming dates: Costco’s shareholder meeting on Jan. 15, January sales figures out Feb. 4, followed by the March earnings call.
Costco Wholesale shares dipped Tuesday, surrendering some of Monday’s gains as investors absorbed new inflation data and shuffled their bets in retail stocks.
The pullback is significant since Costco typically acts as a “quality” consumer staple—investors bid it up when economic worries rise, then trim positions as rates or growth forecasts move. Tuesday’s CPI reading fueled ongoing rate-cut chatter, stirring volatile action in defensive stocks.
This comes just before a packed schedule of Costco-specific dates, as investors hunt for clues on traffic, renewal rates, and margins ahead of the upcoming earnings season.
Costco slipped to $931.05 by late morning. Walmart, Target, and BJ’s Wholesale all gained ground, but Amazon dipped and the S&P 500 ETF crept down slightly.
The Labor Department reported a 0.3% increase in consumer prices for December, with the “core” CPI — excluding food and energy — climbing 0.2%. Over the past year, headline CPI rose 2.7%, while core inflation held at 2.6%. Bureau of Labor Statistics
“We got a modicum of good news with today’s CPI report,” said Art Hogan, chief market strategist at B. Riley Wealth, highlighting the cooler core reading. Reuters
Rate expectations remain on the sidelines for retailers as earnings season heats up, with investors keen to see if companies highlight stronger demand or flag rising costs. Traders have factored in at least two quarter-point rate cuts before year-end, Reuters reported, following the latest data.
Costco’s upcoming event is its annual shareholder meeting on Jan. 15, conducted via webcast. Investors will cast votes on directors, auditors, and an advisory resolution on executive compensation, along with other agenda items.
Costco will release its January sales figures on Feb. 4.
Costco will hold its fiscal second-quarter earnings call on March 5 at 2 p.m. Pacific time.
Costco investors face a risk if renewal rates weaken, discounts increase, or freight and wage expenses prove more persistent. The stock reacts sharply since it’s priced on “steady growth” expectations. Competition stays fierce as big-box stores and online players battle for the same middle- and upper-income shoppers.
Investors are zeroing in on Jan. 15, bracing for any surprises at the meeting, while Feb. 4 will deliver the first solid data on how demand is shaping up for 2026.
