TLDR
- Walmart missed U.S. comparable sales estimates, growing just 2.6% against a 3.8% forecast
- Alibaba’s net profit dropped 75% as AI spending surged, with capex jumping 75%
- Coinbase rallied as Bitcoin climbed back above $70,000
- Oil rose for a fifth straight session on Iran geopolitical uncertainty
- Deere raised its profit outlook after construction and forestry sales jumped 18%
Wall Street had a busy session with earnings misses, heavy AI spending, a crypto rally, rising oil prices, and a strong update from Deere.
Here is a breakdown of the five biggest stock stories investors are watching today.
Walmart Misses Sales Expectations
Walmart reported U.S. comparable sales growth of 2.6%, falling short of the 3.8% Wall Street had expected. It was a rare miss for a retailer that has consistently beaten forecasts in recent years.
The company modestly raised its full-year outlook, but that did little to calm investor concern. Weaker discretionary spending and signs of a more cautious consumer were the main worries.
Walmart is seen as one of the clearest gauges of U.S. consumer health, so a miss here carries weight beyond just the company itself.
Alibaba Cuts Profit to Fund AI Push
Alibaba saw net profit fall around 75% in its latest quarter as the company dramatically increased spending on artificial intelligence. Capital expenditure jumped roughly 75% as the firm invested in data centers, advanced chips, and cloud infrastructure.
Cloud and AI-related revenue did continue to grow. But the scale of spending is raising questions about how long it will take for those investments to pay off.
Alibaba appears willing to absorb short-term profit pressure in order to compete in the global AI race.
Coinbase Climbs With Bitcoin
Coinbase moved higher as Bitcoin pushed back above $70,000. The exchange rallied alongside other crypto-related stocks, including Strategy and several Bitcoin miners.
The move was supported by easing concerns around bond market liquidity and growing optimism about potential U.S. crypto legislation.
Higher Bitcoin prices tend to lift retail interest and trading volumes, which directly benefits exchange revenue. Crypto stocks remain sensitive to both regulatory news and broader market conditions.
Oil Rises for Fifth Straight Day
Brent crude advanced for a fifth consecutive session as tensions around Iran and the Strait of Hormuz kept supply concerns elevated. U.S.-Iran negotiations showed little sign of progress.
Rising oil prices benefit energy producers but also push up fuel and transportation costs, which can add to inflation. That matters at a time when investors are already debating how long the Federal Reserve will keep interest rates high.
If crude keeps climbing, oil could become a growing risk for equity markets.
Deere Raises Outlook After Strong Quarter
Deere raised the lower end of its 2026 profit forecast after reporting its first quarterly profit increase in three years. Construction and forestry sales rose around 18%, partly driven by infrastructure spending tied to AI data center expansion.
The result highlights how AI spending is filtering through the broader economy, reaching equipment manufacturers well beyond the tech sector.
Deere’s update was one of the stronger earnings reactions of the day.
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