Walmart reported fourth-quarter earnings that topped estimates but gave a gloomy outlook for its full year.

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Walmart Q4 Tops Estimates But Gives Soft Outlook

Disappointing earnings from the country's biggest retailers are setting the stage for a week of retail earnings reports, walmart topped estimates for the holiday quarter, but its full year forecast was much more gloomy than analysts expected. Shares, as you see, are actually slightly higher. The company benefited from the fact that so many people were looking for bargains on things like food, gifts and household products. Because of that walmart is gaining market share. It says its reputation for value is attracting shoppers from various income levels. The retail giant also so strong e commerce and same sale, same store sales growth during the holiday period, but it's not too sure about the year ahead because consumers are pulling back on discretionary purchases. In december. Wal mart had its biggest sales volume in company history. It managed to offload some excess inventory over the holidays while its stock of things like clothing remained high, walmart kicked off retail earnings this week. So we'll be watching closely all week to see if other big names follow suit.