Retail Earnings Send Mixed Messages About US Consumer

The biggest private employer in the United States, reported earnings this morning and investors are celebrating. Wal-Mart boosted its sales and profit outlook for the year, saying it was able to not only lure shoppers on a budget, but also handily navigate the rising costs environment. That sent shares of the company soaring for their best day since April.Well, just about a week away from the highly anticipated Black Friday weekend results out of TJ Maxx and Target. So U.S. consumers are increasingly opting ...