

SPDR S&P Retail ETF (NYSEARCA:XRT - Get Free Report) was the target of some unusual options trading activity on Tuesday. Stock traders acquired 34,121 put options on the stock. This represents an increase of approximately 145% compared to the typical volume of 13,932 put options. SPDR S&P Retail ETF Trading Down 2.2% Shares of NYSEARCA:XRT

We're more than halfway through 2026, and retail leaders are confronting a familiar challenge with new urgency: how do you keep moving forward amid persistent uncertainty while proving that investments in AI are delivering real business value?

TJX beat estimates, raised guidance, and expanded margins, yet the stock shed 11% in a month while its closest rival surged 34% year to date. The split between what the business delivered and what investors did next tells a complicated story about where the risk actually sits.

U.S. headline retail sales fell unexpectedly in July, down 0.6% to $763.6B in July, while core retail sales fell unexpectedly by 0.3%. Key Takeaways Headline retail sales fell unexpectedly in July, down 0.6% to $763.6 billion.

Key Takeaways: Consumers remain resilient, but spending is increasingly shifting toward value, convenience, and frequent everyday purchases. Retail ETFs can bridge staples and discretionary exposure.

Weak July jobs data raises hopes for Fed easing, putting health care and select retail ETFs and stocks in focus.

A handful of key economic data points dropped last week, painting a picture of an economy that is successfully downshifting from its recent inflation peaks even as consumers keep their footing.

According to the Census Bureau's Advance Retail Sales Report, consumer spending rose for a fifth straight month in June. Headline sales were up 0.2% as expected, marking a slowdown from May's 1.0% increase.