VanEck Retail ETF

RTH

Market cap $259M

The Census Bureau's Advance Retail Sales Report for September showed consumer spending was lower than expected, with headline sales rising 0.2% versus the expected 0.4% monthly growth. This is down from August's 0.6% growth and marks the fourth consecutive monthly increase in headline sales.

Between tariffs, sticky inflation, and ongoing weakness in the U.S. dollar, it has been a difficult year for the consumer discretionary sector. When household budgets are strained, consumers focus their purchasing power on essential goods and services, while new cars, electronics, vacations, and restaurant meals take a back seat.

Certain AI stocks have been going through an ugly correction as Wall Street sentiment turns cold.

Walmart Inc. (WMT) CEO Doug McMillon will retire at the end of January after nearly 12 years leading the nation's largest retailer, according to a company filing released Friday. John Furner, currently Walmart's U.S. CEO, will take over as head of the company on February 1, according to the filing.

With U.S. holiday sales set to surpass $1 trillion, ETFs like RTH, EBIZ, and VDC could shine as retail spending surges.

The VanEck Retail ETF (RTH) was launched on December 20, 2011, and is a passively managed exchange traded fund designed to offer broad exposure to the Consumer Discretionary - Retail segment of the equity market.

VanEck's RTH ETF remains resilient amid retail sector shifts by focusing on adaptable, high-performing companies like Amazon, Walmart, and Costco, while limiting exposure to underperformers. Key Takeaways: RTH continues to provide diversified retail exposure to leading retailers.

Fed's rate cut and hints of more such moves in 2025 spotlight ETFs like SPVU, RTH, SPSM, XYLD, CHAT and HYDR for growth and income plays.

The Census Bureau's Advance Retail Sales Report for August showed consumer spending was higher than expected, with headline sales rising 0.6% versus the expected 0.2% monthly growth. This is unchanged from July's upwardly revised 0.6% growth and marks the third consecutive monthly increase in headline sales.

RTH ETF hit a 52-week high, fueled by decent U.S. retail sales and seasonal optimism.