New data released today, September 26, 2025, reveals a robust surge in US consumer spending, acting as a crucial pillar of economic resilience. However, a deeper dive into the figures indicates that this growth is disproportionately driven by the nation's wealthiest households, raising questions about economic equity and the long-term
Each stock in this article is trading near its 52-week high.
These elevated prices usually indicate some degree of investor confidence, business improvements, or favorable market conditions.
Shares of department store chain Dillard’s (NYSE:DDS)
jumped 5.5% in the afternoon session after its wholly-owned subsidiary, CDI Contractors, named former Arkansas Secretary of Commerce Mike Preston as its next CEO. The general contractor and construction management company announced that Mark Beach, its current president and CEO, planned to retire. Dillard's President Alex Dillard commented on the change, stating, “We believe we have assembled a great leadership team at CDI with Mike, Jonathan and Matt.” He also noted that Preston was well known across the state as a leader in economic development. The positive statement from Dillard's leadership suggested confidence in the appointment and the future direction of the subsidiary, which investors viewed favorably.
Shares of department store chain Dillard’s (NYSE:DDS)
fell 4.2% in the afternoon session after a broad analyst consensus rated the stock a 'Sell', citing worries about the company's financial outlook.
A number of stocks fell in the afternoon session after markets pulled back with the decline concentrated in the tech space as investors engaged in profit-taking following a robust week that saw the S&P 500 hit a new record.
Recent corporate earnings reports have painted a diverse picture across various sectors, with technology giant Cisco Systems (NASDAQ: CSCO), automotive aftermarket retailer Advance Auto Parts (NYSE: AAP), department store chain Dillard's (NYSE: DDS), and lifestyle accessories company Fossil Group (NASDAQ: FOSL) all releasing their latest financial figures. The results, ranging
Department store chain Dillard’s (NYSE:DDS) reported Q2 CY2025 results exceeding the market’s revenue expectations, with sales up 1.4% year on year to $1.54 billion. Its GAAP profit of $4.66 per share was 16.6% above analysts’ consensus estimates.
A number of stocks jumped in the afternoon session after markets continued to rally amid growing investor optimism for a Federal Reserve interest rate cut in September. This optimism was spurred by a recent Consumer Price Index (CPI) report that did not show runaway inflation, increasing the perceived probability of a rate cut to over 90%. Lower interest rates are generally seen as a positive for the economy as they reduce borrowing costs for consumers, which can stimulate spending on non-essential goods. Consequently, investors bid up shares in the apparel, home furnishings, and automotive retail industries in anticipation of stronger consumer demand.
Shares of department store chain Dillard’s (NYSE:DDS)
jumped 3.4% in the morning session after a tame inflation report boosted investor hopes for an interest rate cut from the Federal Reserve. The latest Consumer Price Index data showed the annual inflation rate held steady at 2.7%, reassuring investors who had feared that tariffs could lead to a spike in consumer prices. This milder-than-expected reading gives the Federal Reserve more flexibility to consider lowering interest rates, possibly as soon as next month. A potential rate cut could reduce borrowing costs for consumers and businesses, stimulating more spending and providing a significant boost for the retail industry.
Volatility cuts both ways - while it creates opportunities, it also increases risk, making sharp declines just as likely as big gains.
This unpredictability can shake out even the most experienced investors.
A cash-heavy balance sheet is often a sign of strength, but not always.
Some companies avoid debt because they have weak business models, limited expansion opportunities, or inconsistent cash flow.
A number of stocks fell in the morning session as the broader market tumbled in the morning session after a surprisingly weak U.S. jobs report and the announcement of new, widespread tariffs on imported goods. The U.S. economy added only 73,000 jobs in July, falling far short of the 109,000 forecast. Compounding the issue, job gains for May and June were revised down by a combined 258,000, signaling what some see as “increasing signs of fragility” in the labor market. Simultaneously, the White House announced new tariffs, ranging from 10% to 41%, on goods from 92 countries. This “double whammy” of negative news has intensified fears that ongoing trade wars are damaging the U.S. economy. The combination of a weaker labor market and new trade barriers has rattled investor confidence, fueling expectations that the Federal Reserve may be forced to cut interest rates to support the economy.
A number of stocks fell in the afternoon session after reports pointed to a broad-based weakening of consumer health, highlighted by rising loan delinquencies and falling spending intentions.
Shares of department store chain Dillard’s (NYSE:DDS)
jumped 3% in the afternoon session after JPMorgan Chase & Co. raised its price target on the retailer. Investment analysts at the firm increased their price objective to $458.00 from $368.00, citing a strong end to the quarter that was driven by a rise in consumer activity in July. Despite the upgraded price target, JPMorgan maintained its 'underweight' rating, which signaled a continued cautious outlook on the stock's performance relative to the market. The market reacted positively to the price target change, and the shares reached a new all-time high of $511.02 during the session.
Retailers are overhauling their operations as technology redefines the shopping experience. Still, secular trends are working against their favor as e-commerce continues to take share from brick and mortars.
This puts retail stocks in a tough spot, and over the past six months, the industry has pulled back by 6%. This drawdown is a stark contrast from the S&P 500’s 5.4% gain.
While strong cash flow is a key indicator of stability, it doesn’t always translate to superior returns.
Some cash-heavy businesses struggle with inefficient spending, slowing demand, or weak competitive positioning.
A highly volatile stock can deliver big gains - or just as easily wipe out a portfolio if things go south.
While some investors embrace risk, mistakes can be costly for those who aren’t prepared.
