🌏 Google’s big miss

Plus: Walmart bought a mall

 Google CEO Sundar Pichai
Google CEO Sundar Pichai
Image: Justin Sullivan (Getty Images)

Good morning, Quartz readers!


Here’s what you need to know

Alphabet’s stock dropped after missing revenue expectations. Despite strong momentum, Google’s parent fell short of Wall Street’s forecast.

Google, Calvin Klein, and Illumina were hit hard by President Donald Trump’s trade war. China targeted the companies shortly after U.S. tariffs were imposed on Chinese imports.

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… Meanwhile, Trump’s crypto czar stays silent on bitcoin reserves. The digital currency’s value hovered near $98,000 amid ongoing uncertainty.

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Amazon can’t seem to figure out physical retail. However, its delivery business is stronger than ever. 

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Target is facing a lawsuit for allegedly misleading shareholders about its DEI efforts. The lawsuit claims investors bought stock at inflated prices, unaware of the risks tied to the diversity program.

McDonald’s is bringing back the Shamrock Shake with a nostalgic twist. The iconic drink returns, bringing back a familiar mascot from the past.

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Walmart says ‘Get in, we’re going shopping”

Walmart has placed a bet on the future of malls with a $34 million all-cash purchase of Monroeville Mall in Pennsylvania.

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While details of its plans remain scarce, the company has expressed interest in redeveloping the 186-acre site. Like many other shopping centers, the Pittsburgh location has faced challenges with shrinking foot traffic and rise of online shopping.

How does Walmart plan to utilize the space? Quartz’s Francisco Velasquez has the details.

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Which U.S. states are the most and least energy efficient?

Energy bills are taking a bigger chunk of American household budgets, with the average family spending at least $2,000 annually on utilities.

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Where a family chooses to settle can make a big difference in how much they pay for gas and electricity. WalletHub’s latest rankings consider factors like public transportation and how well-insulated a building are.

What U.S. states are the most – and least – energy efficient? Quartz’s Ben Kesslen breaks it down.

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More from Quartz

🌯 Chipotle’s price hikes haven’t scared off customers – but the stock drops anyway

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🕴️Walmart and other ‘dividend aristocrat’ stocks to buy in a volatile market, according to a strategist

💸 Tariffs, interest rates, and market volatility: What they mean for your investments in 2025, according to a strategist

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⚠️ Dollar General tells employees to cooperate with Trump’s immigration crackdown

🍳 Waffle House is adding an egg surcharge as prices keep rising


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Our best wishes on a safe start to the day. Send any news, comments, McDonald’s Shamrocks or Waffle House eggs to talk@qz.com. Today’s Daily Brief was brought to you by Francisco Velasquez and Audrey McNamara.