Dow Hits Record, but Flat Retail Sales and Soaring Credit-Card Debt Raise Risks for Investors

Source The Motley Fool

Key Points

  • December retail sales were flat despite the Dow hitting a record, raising concerns about consumer demand and the impact of $1.2 trillion in credit card debt on spending and default risk.

  • Rising odds of a March Fed rate cut have not yet reached levels likely to drive a sustained stock rally, making upcoming jobs data and further Fed signals crucial for market direction.

  • These 10 stocks could mint the next wave of millionaires ›

Discover how flat December retail sales, rising credit‑card debt, and shifting Fed expectations are shaping the outlook for consumer‑facing sectors and risk assets. Watch the video below to see what could drive the next market move.

Will AI create the world's first trillionaire? Our team just released a report on the one little-known company, called an "Indispensable Monopoly" providing the critical technology Nvidia and Intel both need. Continue »

Where to invest $1,000 right now

When our analyst team has a stock tip, it can pay to listen. After all, Stock Advisor’s total average return is 886%* — a market-crushing outperformance compared to 193% for the S&P 500.

They just revealed what they believe are the 10 best stocks for investors to buy right now, available when you join Stock Advisor.

See the stocks »

*Stock Advisor returns as of February 14, 2026.

The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.

Disclaimer: For information purposes only. Past performance is not indicative of future results.
placeholder
The dollar weakened, equities dipped, and gold hit record highsThe dollar weakened, equities fell, and gold set new records on Wednesday as investors waited for a Fed rate cut later in the day.
Author  Cryptopolitan
Sep 17, 2025
The dollar weakened, equities fell, and gold set new records on Wednesday as investors waited for a Fed rate cut later in the day.
placeholder
Gold Price Forecast: XAU/USD falls below $5,050 as traders await US jobs data Gold price (XAU/USD) attracts some sellers near $5,035 during the early Asian session on Tuesday. The precious metal edges lower amid improved risk sentiment and some profit-taking. Traders brace for key US economic data later this week, including delayed employment and inflation reports. 
Author  FXStreet
Feb 10, Tue
Gold price (XAU/USD) attracts some sellers near $5,035 during the early Asian session on Tuesday. The precious metal edges lower amid improved risk sentiment and some profit-taking. Traders brace for key US economic data later this week, including delayed employment and inflation reports. 
placeholder
Bitcoin Realized Losses Rival Luna Crash Levels as Market Absorbs $2 Billion HitBitcoin network realizes $1.99 billion in losses, rivaling the 2022 Luna crash, though analysts view the $67,000 flush as a cyclical cleanse rather than a structural breakdown.
Author  Mitrade
Feb 12, Thu
Bitcoin network realizes $1.99 billion in losses, rivaling the 2022 Luna crash, though analysts view the $67,000 flush as a cyclical cleanse rather than a structural breakdown.
placeholder
Silver Price Forecast: XAG/USD rebounds above $76.50 after sharp drop, eyes on US CPI dataSilver price (XAG/USD) recovers some lost ground to near $76.60 during the Asian trading hours on Friday. The white metal suddenly fell late Thursday, pushing silver down more than 11%.
Author  FXStreet
Yesterday 01: 56
Silver price (XAG/USD) recovers some lost ground to near $76.60 during the Asian trading hours on Friday. The white metal suddenly fell late Thursday, pushing silver down more than 11%.
placeholder
Bitcoin Flirts With ‘Undervalued’ As MVRV Slides Toward 1Bitcoin is nearing a level on the MVRV ratio that historically lines up with market “undervaluation,” according to CryptoQuant contributor Crypto Dan, as traders look for signs that a four-month
Author  NewsBTC
7 hours ago
Bitcoin is nearing a level on the MVRV ratio that historically lines up with market “undervaluation,” according to CryptoQuant contributor Crypto Dan, as traders look for signs that a four-month
goTop
quote