Walmart raises profit expectations as more Americans hunt deals in sluggish economy

A recent survey by the Charles F. Kettering Foundation and Gallup indicates that approximately half of Americans believe democracy in the U.S. is performing poorly. The survey revealed that 51% of respondents expressed dissatisfaction with the state of democracy, while only 24% felt it was functioning well. The remaining 25% were uncertain about its performance.

Millions of Americans are facing significant increases in healthcare costs for plans purchased through the Affordable Care Act (ACA) marketplaces unless Congress intervenes promptly. The potential rise in expenses poses a serious threat to families relying on these health plans.

The stock market experienced a strong start on Thursday, driven by impressive quarterly earnings from Nvidia and Walmart, along with a better-than-expected jobs report for September. However, the momentum fizzled as trading progressed, leading to a decline in stock prices later in the day.

Walmart reported strong sales and profits that exceeded Wall Street expectations, attracting more cash-strapped Americans amid economic uncertainty. The retailer's performance reflects a growing trend of consumers seeking deals in a sluggish economy.

Walmart has raised its full-year earnings and sales outlook as shoppers continue to flock to the retailer, particularly in anticipation of the holiday shopping season. The boost is attributed to increased e-commerce activity and a rise in higher-income shoppers.

Nvidia reported strong third-quarter earnings, surpassing Wall Street expectations with $57 billion in revenue, a 62% increase from the previous year. Analysts had anticipated revenue of $54.92 billion. The company's performance is attributed to its leading role in the AI sector.

Amtrak has reported a significant increase in ridership this holiday season as more Americans choose train travel. This surge follows federally mandated flight reductions that caused numerous delays and cancellations at major airports across the country. NBC News' Emilie Ikeda highlights this trend, which caps off a record year for both ridership and revenue for Amtrak.

The article discusses the recent firings of 600 Americans in a crackdown associated with pro-Trump sentiments, led by Charlie Kirk. Supporters of these actions argue that freedom of speech does not exempt individuals from facing consequences for their statements. This situation has raised concerns about the implications of political rhetoric and its impact on public discourse.