04:40 PM EST, 02/21/2025 (MT Newswires) -- US equity indexes slid this week as weak economic data and Walmart's ( WMT ) disappointing guidance triggered consumer woes, while the Federal Reserve indicated that trade and political risks still signal a pause in interest rate cuts.

* The S&P 500 fell to 6,013.13 on Friday from 6,114.63 a week earlier. The Nasdaq Composite dropped to 19,524.01 from 20,026.77, and the Dow Jones Industrial Average dropped to 43,428.02 from 44,545.46.

* Walmart ( WMT ) fell 8.9% this week after Q1 and fiscal 2026 adjusted earnings guidance missed expectations.

* The University of Michigan consumer sentiment index was unexpectedly revised downward for February. Respondents expect a 4.3% inflation rate over the next year and 3.5% annual inflation over the next five years, up from 3.3% and 3.2%, respectively, in January.

* The US private sector output growth unexpectedly slowed in February as the services sector contracted, while optimism waned amid concerns over the impact of tariffs and domestic spending cuts, S&P Global's flash purchasing managers' index showed.

* The Fed policy minutes showed participants "well positioned" to pause interest-rate cuts given the uncertainty over the fiscal policy outlook and still-elevated inflation. The FOMC awaited further progress on inflation amid uncertainty surrounding fiscal policy decisions.

* Possible tariffs and changes to immigration policy are sources of uncertainty that may shift inflation and employment, Atlanta Federal Reserve Bank President Raphael Bostic said. "In a nutshell, contacts are concerned that tariffs could increase costs," Bostic said. "Many feel confident that if that happens, then they can pass along higher costs in their prices."