The markets advanced during the midday with the Dow soaring 121 points to 18,268. Nasdaq climbed 39 points to 4,996.
Amazon's second Prime Day sale begins tonight at midnight Pacific Time. The 24-hour global shopping event with over 100,000 deals is available exclusively for Prime members. Last year's inaugural sale boasted 34.4 million items sold worldwide.
To compete with Amazon, Walmart announced free shipping from July 11 - 15 on all online orders with no minimum purchase. The world's largest retailer boasted that it's offer is available to all consumers, not just those paying membership fees. Amazon's Prime Day deals are only available for Amazon Prime members.
Other retailers are offering deals this week as well. Target is selling home items for up to 25% off. The Limited is slashing 50% off prices on new arrivals. The Gap launched its Great Gap Sale.
In the broad market, advancing issues outpaced decliners by a margin of more than 5 to 2 on both the NYSE and on Nasdaq. The broader S&P 500 climbed 10 points to 2,140. Bitcoin rose $3 to $644.
