Is Amazon Stock Past its Prime?

Amazon (NASDAQ:AMZN) stock’s Prime Day could gauge where the consumer is currently at amid macro headwinds.

Amazon’s (NASDAQ: AMZN) Prime Day has finally ended, but don’t dismiss the power of a great bargain. Indeed, it’s hard to be a confident consumer these days, with the high level of inflation, recession fears, high costs of borrowing, and all the sort. Let’s not forget about the alarming debt levels in Canada. Indeed, it’s not too hard to imagine many folks won’t be splurging too much this Prime Day.

As challenged as the consumer may be, however, I would not go as far as to say Prime Day has passed its prime. In fact, Prime Day may be poised to re-enter its prime after several years of pandemic-induced challenges.

Undoubtedly, we’ll learn about how much of an impact the latest Prime Day had. With consumers being more deliberate about how they plan to spend their capital, I think that big Boxing Day-like sales such as Prime Day could be more impactful than many may think. Why? We all need our dollar to go further these days. And if you’re like many who’ve been building up a shopping list over the course of a year or more, waiting for that desired item to go on sale, Prime Day may finally be the perfect time to act.

Amazon stock’s recovery still has a ways to go

For now, Amazon stock is in recovery mode after one of the ugliest selloffs in recent memory. Year to date, shares are up an impressive 52.4%. That said, the relief gains still haven’t allowed shares of AMZN to eclipse those all-time highs.

Undoubtedly, the stock got crushed by around 55% from peak to trough. Though Amazon stock was arguably one of the priciest of the batch, I think that the current recovery is just getting started. Prime Day and other value-maximizing offerings could be key to getting the retail business back on the right track until consumers feel upbeat again about spending more online.

The $1.34 trillion company has other growth businesses that can help it rally even higher. Indeed, the cloud and even artificial intelligence could be sparks that propel shares toward highs. As for Prime Day, though, don’t be too discouraged if the current Prime Day isn’t one of the hottest on record. I think Prime Days deals are poised to improve along with consumer sentiment over time.

E-commerce is still a great long-term trend to invest in

Canadian e-commerce sensation Shopify (TSX: SHOP) has been a great e-commerce player that’s also recovering this year after a historic slide last year. Shopify and Amazon may be in a spot to duke it out as e-commerce heals from a potential recession. Like Amazon, though, don’t be shocked if the post-recession recovery gains are in the books well before the recovery finally does materialize.

E-commerce is still a magnificent trend to invest in. As such, nibbling gradually at either AMZN or SHOP stock could prove wise in the grander scheme of things.

The Foolish bottom line

Prime Day isn’t out of its prime. This time around, it could help fuel the broader appetite for a good deal. And goodness knows, we all could use a nice discount after the surge of inflation we’ve all had to tackle in recent quarters.

John Mackey, former CEO of Whole Foods Market, an Amazon subsidiary, is a member of The Motley Fool’s board of directors. Fool contributor Joey Frenette has positions in Amazon.com. The Motley Fool has positions in and recommends Shopify. The Motley Fool recommends Amazon.com. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.

More on Tech Stocks

telehealth stocks
Tech Stocks

1 Canadian Stock Down 42% to Buy and Hold Forever

This health tech stock is trading at a discount as it continues to grow and expand a business very much…

Read more »

space ship model takes off
Tech Stocks

Ottawa’s Defence Spending Boom: This Canadian Tech Stock is Already Cashing In

MDA has identifiable government and defence work, but its backlog and profit margins reveal more than the spending headlines.

Read more »

Printing canadian dollar bills on a print machine
Tech Stocks

I’d Keep Shopify for its 18% Free Cash Flow Margin

With an expanding 18% free cash flow margin and massive share buybacks, Shopify proves why it remains a top TSX…

Read more »

quantum computing is still in infancy
Tech Stocks

A Quantum Computing Stock Canadian Investors Can Buy Now

Looking for a quantum computing stock? D-Wave offers exposure to an emerging industry, with paying customers and plenty still to…

Read more »

ETF is short for exchange traded fund, a popular investment choice for Canadians
Tech Stocks

A Handful of Tech Giants Is Carrying Wall Street: Canadians Holding U.S. Index ETFs Should Know How Concentrated They Really Are

XQQ's top 10 holdings make up 46% of the fund. See how concentrated Canada's Nasdaq 100 ETF is and why…

Read more »

man makes the timeout gesture with his hands
Dividend Stocks

Why Dividend Cuts Happen and How to Spot the Warning Signs

Learn why dividend cuts happen and how to spot warning signs, using BCE and TELUS to examine cash flow, debt,…

Read more »

The letters AI glowing on a circuit board processor.
Tech Stocks

Nvidia Just Hit $5.8 Trillion: The Canadian Stock Riding the Same AI Wave

Celestica’s AI exposure is supported by operating results, while cash investment and valuation make the buying decision more demanding.

Read more »

man in bowtie poses with abacus
Tech Stocks

A Simple Way to Estimate Your Retirement Number

Here's how Canadian couples can calculate their retirement number in 2026.

Read more »