Consumer companies declined amid mixed economic and earnings signals.
Grocery store chain Kroger swung to a fiscal third-quarter loss as expenses increased, though the company said it continues to make progress on its strategic priorities.
Dollar General shares rallied after the deep discounter lifted its outlook for the year. Dollar General's fortunes echoed those of rival Dollar Tree, as both have seen increased customer traffic due to tightening budgets in many American households.
"At least during the last 20 years, when U.S. consumer spending is led by low-income retailers like Walmart, economic growth typically slows," veteran Wall Street strategist Jim Paulsen said in an emailed newsletter. "The recent surge in the relative performance of Walmart stock (the decline in the red line) is a warning signal that U.S. annual real GDP could still weaken further in the coming quarters."
New weekly jobless claims fell by 27,000 to 191,000 in the latest tally.
Hovnanian Enterprises swung to a loss in its fiscal fourth quarter as the homebuilder is handing out more incentives to try to attract wary house-shoppers.
Shares of America's Car-Mart climbed after the used-car dealership posted second-quarter sales above Wall Street's expectations. Rivals CarMax and Auto Nation were flat to lower.
Shares of PVH tumbled after the purveyor of clothing under brands such as Tommy Hilfiger and Calvin Klein posted earnings shy of some investors' expectations.
Write to Rob Curran at rob.curran@dowjones.com
(END) Dow Jones Newswires
12-04-25 1751ET
