Macro
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month values ▾
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| +0.40 | +0.35 | +0.35 | +0.35 | +0.30 | -0.26 | +0.30 | +0.30 | -0.33 | +0.30 | +0.30 | +0.35 |
A strong economy and December tax cuts supported spending, but the Amazon-Whole Foods deal and Toys R Us bankruptcy intensified the retail apocalypse threatening brick-and-mortar owners.
How this mood is scored ▾
Amazon is acquiring Whole Foods for $13.7 billion, marking a major entry into brick-and-mortar grocery retail and intensifying competition in the sector. The deal positions Amazon to dominate online grocery sales and threatens startups like Instacart, while pressuring rivals like Walmart to accelerate their own strategies. Market implications include sharp declines in grocery stocks and heightened scrutiny on food delivery startups' valuations.
Toys R Us has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy to restructure $4.9 billion in debt stemming from its 2005 leveraged buyout by KKR, Bain Capital, and Vornado Realty Trust. The company plans to maintain operations and secure $3 billion in debtor-in-possession financing while revamping its digital and Babies R Us offerings. The filing reflects broader challenges in retail, where private equity-owned chains struggle with debt and shifting consumer behavior.