With expectations for reduced earnings, Walmart surprised investors to the upside on both top and bottom lines leading to a 5% gain in its share price yesterday. 

• Gains: Walmart reported better-than-expected earnings in the first fiscal quarter announcing $152.9 billion in total revenue. That's 8% above street estimates. The company's net income was over $5 billion, up 20.4% from a year ago. 
• Easy does it: With Walmart being the nation's largest retailer, the positive results showed the U.S. economy's strength despite worrisome recession indicators. Consumer spending makes up nearly three-quarters of the nation's economic activity, and so far, retail activity seems steady. 

Learn more here and watch CNBC interview CEO Doug McMillon about the quarter in Bentonville.