Retailers are feeling the pinch as inflation, tariffs, and recession fears weigh on both businesses and shoppers.
Target and Walmart are raising prices or seeing sales drop, while Home Depot and Lowe’s are working around tariffs through sourcing strategies. Meanwhile, discount chain TJX is thriving as cost-conscious consumers hunt for deals.
With sentiment down nearly 30% since January, this fractured retail landscape signals rising macro stress—potentially bullish for safe-haven assets like gold.