(NYSE: WMT) is doing well in the current volatile selling environment. The retailing giant recently announced surprisingly strong sales trends through the start of 2024, even as consumers became more cautious in their spending patterns. This good news contributed to a strong run for shareholders, with the stock gaining 15% so far this year, compared to a 10% increase in the S 500.

Wall Street is excited to see Walmart winning market share in competitive areas like groceries. These successes reflect higher customer satisfaction levels, which are translating into rising shopper traffic. But there's a more important metric to watch when you're judging Walmart as a potential long-term investment.

It was clear from the latest earnings report that shoppers are highly engaged with the world's leading retailer. Comparable-store sales were up 4% through late January, on top of the prior year's 8.3% increase, management said in a late-February press release.

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Source Fool.com