When gold miners and gun-toters lag the broader economy, it's usually a good sign that conditions are on the mend. Both sectors outperform when times were tough, but this year, their growth has slowed relative to the market has a whole.
The S&P 500 index has gained 57% since March 9, 2009, according to a USA Today report, while Barrick Gold (NYSE: ABX) and Newmont Mining (NYSE: NEM) are up 36% and 21%, respectively, for the same period. Smith & Wesson (NASDAQ: SWHC) is up 30%. Again, these are definitely respectable results, but they aren't keeping pace with the index.
In a move that will most likely be appreciated by most Americans, Wal-Mart has decided to remove the sale of guns
from its store shelves. Instead, it will stock sporting goods that more accurately reflect the community in which it
operates. With the new U.S. sales head being all about customizing the Wal-Mart store experience to local flavor, this
is no surprise most likely.
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