Aug 16, 2018 - Economy & Business

Walmart reports strongest sales growth in a decade

Walmart reported blockbuster Q2 earnings. Photo: Diego Herculano/NurPhoto via Getty Images

Walmart saw its largest sales growth in 10 years in the second quarter of 2018, executives said in an earnings call Thursday. Boosting those sales numbers was strong U.S. e-commerce sales, which ballooned 40%, and growth in grocery sales. Walmart's stock jumped about 10% on the news, CNBC reports.

Why it matters: Walmart has heavily invested in efforts to take on Amazon in online shopping, including a recent redesign of its website, and this Q2 earnings report reveals that their investment may be paying off. The company's successful report is also a good sign for retailers after many prominent stocks — including Macy's, JCPenney, Nordstrom, and Kohl's — plummeted Wednesday after Macy's reported no sales growth in Q2.

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Orion Rummler

2 hours ago - Health

15 states broke single-day coronavirus records this week

Data: Compiled from state health departments by Axios; Map: Danielle Alberti/Axios

At least 15 states broke their single-day novel coronavirus infection records this week, according to state health department data reviewed by Axios.

The big picture: The number of coronavirus cases increased in the vast majority of states over the last week, and decreased in only two states plus the District of Columbia, Axios' Andrew Withershoop and Caitlin Owens report.

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Axios

Updated 3 hours ago - Politics & Policy

Coronavirus dashboard

Illustration: Aïda Amer/Axios

Global: Total confirmed cases as of 3 p.m. ET: 11,143,945 — Total deaths: 527,681 — Total recoveries — 6,004,593 — Map.
U.S.: Total confirmed cases as of 3 p.m. ET: 2,818,588 — Total deaths: 129,584 — Total recoveries: 883,561 — Total tested: 34,213,497 — Map.
States: Photos of America's pandemic July 4 — ICU beds in Arizona's hot spot reach near capacity.
Public health: U.S. coronavirus infections hit record highs for 3 straight days.
Politics: Trump extends PPP application deadline — Kimberly Guilfoyle tests positive.
World: Mexican leaders call for tighter border control as infections rise in U.S.
Sports: 31 MLB players test positive as workouts resume.
1 📽 thing: Drive-in movie theaters are making a comeback.

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Rashaan Ayesh

3 hours ago - Health

In photos: America celebrates July 4 during global pandemic

Photo: Francine Orr/Los Angeles Times/Getty Images

The U.S. has already celebrated Easter, graduations and so much more during the coronavirus pandemic, and now it can add July 4 to the list.

The state of play: Axios' Stef Kight writes public parades and fireworks displays around much of the country are being canceled to prevent mass gatherings where the virus could spread. Hot-dog contests and concerts will play to empty stands and virtual audiences — all while American pride treads an all-time low.