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Walmart grows more optimistic about 2024 as bargains prove a powerful lure for the inflation weary

NEW YORK (AP) — Walmart had another quarter of strong sales that topped almost all expectations with its comparatively low prices proving a powerful draw for millions who have struggled with rising costs for housing, groceries and almost everything else. The nation’s largest retailer raised its full-year outlook and executives said their customers may still be holding out for deals, but they’re not seeing any signs that they’re fraying. “So far, we aren’t experiencing a weaker consumer overall,” CEO Doug McMillon told industry analysts Thursday. Evidence of a ...

US shoppers sharply boosted spending at retailers in July despite higher prices

WASHINGTON (AP) — Americans stepped up their spending at retailers last month by the most in a year and a half, easing concerns that the economy might be weakening under the pressure of higher prices and elevated interest rates. The Commerce Department reported Thursday that retail sales jumped 1% from June to July, the biggest such increase since January 2023, after having declined slightly the previous month. Auto dealers, electronics and appliance stores and grocery stores all reported strong sales gains. The July retail sales data provided reassurance that the U.S. economy, ...

Face problems before they worsen!

The Lock Haven Express featured seven articles to assist small business owners and this last feature offers ways to timely access challenges and address solutions. Early warning signs often signal dangerous swamp waters with the first being a revenue decline. Perhaps this decline is due ...

Considering a mortgage refi? Lower rates are just one factor when refinancing a home loan

LOS ANGELES (AP) — Mortgage rates haven’t been this attractive in more than a year, good news for homeowners eager to refinance. Many homeowners have already jumped at the opportunity to lower their monthly payment, spurring a surge in mortgage refinancing applications. And that was before the average rate on a 30-year mortgage fell this week to 6.47%, according to mortgage buyer Freddie Mac. As recently as May, the rate averaged 7.22%. It’s now at a 14-month low. The rush to refinance makes sense, as even a slight drop in mortgage rates can translate into significant savings ...

Helpful Tips: Business problem solutions

Previous Lock Haven Express articles offered topics for the budding entrepreneur and cautioned readers to be mindful of business problems. But perhaps a business owner doesn’t wish to close the doors or file bankruptcy? What if they prefer to face problems and navigate the business ...

Fed’s preferred inflation gauge cools, adding to likelihood of a September rate cut

WASHINGTON (AP) — The Federal Reserve’s favored inflation measure remained low last month, bolstering evidence that price pressures are steadily cooling and setting the stage for the Fed to begin cutting interest rates in September. Prices rose just 0.1% from May to June, the Commerce Department said Friday, up from the previous month’s unchanged reading. Compared with a year earlier, inflation declined to 2.5% from 2.6%. Excluding volatile food and energy prices, so-called core inflation rose 0.2% from May to June, up from the previous month’s 0.1%. Measured from one year ...