Walmart and Target Raise Fears About the Health of the American Consumer

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Even before the US Federal Reserve starts hiking interest rates more aggressively -- a surefire way to discourage spending -- some investors are already in a tizzy about the state of the American consumer.

The reason: last week's results from big retailers suggest consumers are in worse shape under inflation than many realize. Not only is this stoking fears of a recession, but big retailers' stocks -- promoted as safe havens just two weeks ago -- have suddenly turned in a Black Monday-worthy performance.

Source Fool.com