Home Depot CEO sounds alarm on troubling customer trend in stores

The Bureau of Labor Statistics released the September jobs report on November 20, 48 days later than usual due to a government shutdown. The report indicated that the U.S. added 119,000 jobs, surpassing expectations, while the unemployment rate rose to 4.4%. Hourly earnings also saw a slight increase of 0.2%.

The casual restaurant sector is facing significant challenges, leading to the closure of several locations by a 60-year-old bar and grill chain. Economic difficulties have prompted many popular dining chains to file for bankruptcy, citing liquidity issues and a negative impact on consumer spending as key factors contributing to their financial distress.

A 75-year-old furniture chain has initiated going-out-of-business sales at some locations while others are closing without official announcements. Some stores are holding inventory blowout sales, but may not necessarily be shutting down. This situation reflects the challenges faced by traditional retailers in a rapidly evolving market.

The U.S. housing market is currently experiencing historic stagnation, which has led to a sales slump for Home Depot. The company attributes this decline to the challenges faced by homeowners, who are its primary customers.

MGM Resorts' CEO recently issued an apology to guests regarding the high prices at their hotels. Despite a growth trend in the hotel industry driven by strong travel numbers globally, the rising operational costs have become a significant barrier for both small family-owned hotels and large chains like MGM. This situation reflects the ongoing challenges faced by the hospitality sector.

Nvidia's Q3 earnings report revealed $57 billion in sales, significantly exceeding earnings estimates, with $51.2 billion coming from data-center sales. The company also projected strong future growth, indicating a positive outlook for the AI sector.

On November 20, 2025, the Nasdaq and S&P 500 indices surged over 1% in premarket trading, driven by Nvidia's strong earnings report. The positive performance of Nvidia, which exceeded analysts' expectations, has significantly influenced market sentiment, contributing to a broader recovery in U.S. stock futures. This live blog will continue to provide updates throughout the day.

Lowe's Cos. reported profits exceeding expectations, driven by increased online sales and demand from professional contractors. This positive outcome contrasts with competitor Home Depot, which recently lowered its full-year profit forecast due to decreased consumer spending on larger purchases. Meanwhile, TJX Cos. raised its sales outlook, indicating a shift towards budget-friendly shopping options as economic pressures mount.