Walmart slashes prices on thousands of items due to demand weakness while small businesses raise prices amid inflation squeeze.

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Small businesses feel the pressure from persistent inflation more than larger corps. They have less pricing power, thinner margins, and less ability to pass on costs.
Rising costs destroy fixed incomes fast.
Inflation from higher oil will hit then fed will have to raise rates at least once. That will crash the markets.

  • Walmart cutting prices across groceries, household goods, and lawn mowers.
  • Retailers slash prices broadly when customers start saying no to spending.
  • Walmart already flagged tax refund money ran dry and gasoline stayed expensive.
  • Savings remain razor thin for many households.
  • Ties to recent labor data showing plunging participation and likely negative payrolls.
  • Flat yield curve and plunging forward rates plus TIPS breakevens signal slowdown ahead.
  • At the same time, 21% of US small business owners cited inflation as their single most important problem in June — highest since October 2024 and up +10 points over the last 12 months.
  • 38% of small firms raised average selling prices in June — highest since January 2023, 4th consecutive monthly increase, and more than double the long-term average of ~14%.
  • Small businesses have less pricing power and thinner margins than big corporations.
  • Rising costs hit hiring, investment, and overall economic growth.

Coverage of Walmart price cuts: https://abc7.com/post/lapd-ending-agreement-surveillance-company-flock-safety/19483200/