Here's Why You Should Pay Close Attention to What Target and Walmart Are Saying About the Economy

Target (NYSE: TGT) and Walmart (NYSE: WMT) are two companies that most everyone knows. Given that 70% of U.S. gross domestic product comes from consumer spending, Target and Walmart provide an excellent barometer on inflation and a glimpse into the pulse of the economy. Here's what you need to know about Target and Walmart's results and how they could impact your investments -- even if you aren't interested in their stocks specifically.