Quantum Stocks Soar on Potential $2 Billion Award
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Quantum computing stocks are on the move, following reports that the U.S. government will award $2 billion in grants to nine quantum firms.
In fact, according to The Wall Street Journal, the Trump Administration is awarding grants to companies, which include U.S. government equity stakes. According to the Journal, the move is part of the administration’s plans to boost the nascent industry, which is attracting substantial interest from investors and businesses.
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The U.S. consumer isn’t okay.
Unfortunately, that’s what Walmart’s latest guidance is signaling.
While the company posted inline EPS of 66 cents and revenue of $177.75 billion—up 7.3% year over year and ahead of expectations, the strength in revenue is being driven less by discretionary retail demand and more by necessity-based spending—particularly groceries and household essentials.
So, sure, consumers are still spending, but they are trading down, prioritizing essentials.
For the second quarter, Walmart expects adjusted EPS of $0.72 to $0.74, with a midpoint of $0.73, which is below estimates of $0.75. For fiscal 2027, the company reiterated its full-year adjusted EPS guidance of $2.75 to $2.85, with a midpoint of $2.80, which is below estimates of $2.92.
Walmart also noted that higher-income shoppers continue trading down to discount retailers, a trend that has accelerated over the past year. All of which is raising big concerns about the true health of consumers and the economy.
Ian Cooper is a veteran market analyst and investment strategist with more than 20 years of experience covering stocks, commodities, and macro trends. Since 1999, he has helped investors identify market opportunities using a blend of technical analysis, fundamental research, and market sentiment.
He is the creator of the ADD News Flow Strategy, which focuses on trading market reactions to major news events and investor psychology. Cooper was also among the analysts who warned about the 2008 financial crisis and major financial institution collapses ahead of the broader market.
Before joining 247 Wall St., Cooper wrote extensively for InvestorPlace and other financial publications, covering market trends, trading strategies, and investment opportunities.
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