Jan Rogers Kniffen goes inside out on the retail sector. “I’m solidly optimistic on 2026,” he says, noting many earnings beats (despite market reactions). He thinks the current economy creates a recipe for a strong consumer, and there’s “nothing on the horizon” to stop them. He argues that recent changes in tariff policy won’t impact shoppers. He believes the top five retailers in the country are Walmart (WMT), Costco (COST), Home Depot (HD), TJX Companies (TJX), and Dick’s Sporting Goods (DKS). Tom White offers an example options trade for Costco.