New York, Jan 26, 2026, 11:39 EST — Regular session
- Walmart shares edged higher late this morning, lifting alongside broader Wall Street gains ahead of the Fed announcement.
- Investors prepare for a crowded week featuring major tech earnings and a key interest rate decision.
- Walmart plans to release its next earnings report on Feb. 19, just weeks after a CEO transition on Feb. 1.
Shares of Walmart Inc. ticked up 0.4%, reaching $118.21 in late-morning trading on Monday.
Stocks rose alongside wider gains on Wall Street ahead of a week loaded with key tech earnings and a Fed decision. But uncertainty lingers, with one analyst dubbing the situation a “perfect storm” for hedges. 1
Why it matters now: Walmart has locked in a date for its next earnings report, giving investors a fresh look at U.S. consumer behavior. The retail giant will unveil its fiscal 2026 fourth-quarter results on Feb. 19, with disclosures going live early, followed by a conference call at 7 a.m. Central time. 2
After closing at $117.73, Monday’s trading kept the stock close to recent peaks despite a volatile session last week. 3
Investors are keeping an eye on leadership stability. Walmart revealed that John Furner will become global CEO starting Feb. 1, as part of a wider management shakeup announced earlier this month. 4
All eyes turn to the Fed’s two-day meeting starting Tuesday, with investors keen on any clues about future interest rate moves. If the Fed holds rates steady, the spotlight will shift back to economic data and corporate guidance, particularly from firms linked to everyday consumer spending.
Walmart lacked any company-specific news Monday, leaving its stock to move largely in line with broader market trends. Investors are balancing the earnings risks tied to growth stocks against the consistent demand seen in major retailers.
But there’s a downside risk: an unexpected change in the Fed’s tone could unsettle rate-sensitive sectors and reignite concerns over consumer resilience heading into spring, even for firms selling essentials. When funds pull back across the board, “safe” stocks aren’t immune to the sell-off either.
Next on the calendar: the Fed’s policy decision and press conference later this week. Then comes Walmart’s CEO transition scheduled for Feb. 1, with quarterly results and outlook due on Feb. 19.
