tax refunds

Amazon's strong Q1 e-commerce growth signals robust consumer spending, positioning Walmart and TJX Companies to benefit from improving retail fundamentals.

US retail sales jumped 1.7% in March 2026, the biggest monthly gain since January 2023, defying $4 gas price concerns and suggesting resilient consumer spending despite inflation pressures.

H&R Block Canada survey finds 58% of working Canadians struggle with expenses despite decent salaries, with 79% worried about wage-inflation gaps and $2,725 average missed tax refunds.

H&R Block Canada survey: 58% of Canadians with adequate salaries struggle monthly, 54% worry about 2026, while average $2,725 in unclaimed tax benefits goes undetected.

Three retail stocks—Target, Deckers Outdoor, and Best Buy—could benefit from April tax refund spending, though gains may be temporary.

Trump's projected $750 average tax refunds threatened by oil-driven energy costs adding $740+ annually to household expenses, likely preventing Fed rate cuts in 2025.

Pentagon requests $200B for Middle East conflict; Iran warns costs represent only initial phase. First six days cost $11.3B, raising questions about fiscal sustainability and consumer economic impact.