There is such a slew of conflicting indicators and commentary on the economy swirling around these days that it may be hard to get a grip on how the consumer is doing. Walmart Inc. (NYSE:WMT), the world’s largest retailer, beat Wall Street forecasts for second-quarter profits and sales as it posted $4.5 billion in net profit, down from $7.89 billion a year ago, and $169 million in revenue, up from $162 million in revenue a year earlier. It also raised its full-year outlook by forecasting revenue to increase from 3.75% to 4.75%, up from previous guidance of a 3% to 4% rise in revenue, and adjus…