$WMT: Shoppers Still Spending Despite Rising Gas, Analyst Says

**Implied Volatility / Movement:** $WMT+WL last traded at $115.27, down 0.39% for the day, with RSI14 at 63.4. Volume was 0.65x the 20-day average.

### Money Play If consumer spending remains robust despite inflationary pressures, investors may continue to favor consumer staples. Watch $WMT+WL for potential follow-through, though analysts suggest a critical gas price threshold could eventually impact behavior.

## Catalyst Analysis: Consumer Spending Resilience Jefferies analyst Corey Tarlowe indicated in a recent report that Walmart (WMT) has not seen a major change in shopper behavior despite recent increases in fuel prices surpassing $4 per gallon. This observation points to a current disconnect between consumer complaints about the economy and actual spending patterns at the retail giant.

## Technical Analysis & Key Risk Watch

16.03 · R1 ## Technical Analysis & Key Risk Watch 15.54 · last ## Technical Analysis & Key Risk Watch 15.27 · S1 ## Technical Analysis & Key Risk Watch 15.09 · S2 ## Technical Analysis & Key Risk Watch 14.20.

$WMT+WL is trading near its 50-day moving average of $114.49 and below its 200-day moving average of $118.32. Key support levels are noted at $115.09 and $114.20, while resistance is positioned at $115.54 and $116.03. The Relative Strength Index (RSI) stands at 63.4, suggesting the stock is approaching overbought territory but not yet there.

## Impact on Consumer Discretionary and Staples The resilience of Walmart shoppers, as highlighted by the analyst, could provide a tailwind for consumer staples ($XLP+WL) if inflation continues to pressure budgets, forcing consumers toward value retailers. However, if a critical gas price point is breached, it could eventually impact discretionary spending patterns, potentially affecting consumer discretionary ETFs ($XLY+WL).