Why is Wal-Mart and J.C Penney bucking the trend on Wall Street?

As stock market goes down a rat hole, maybe because of China, or Mid-East troubles, or interest rate going up, or oil prices going down somehow Wal-Mart, which many say is bellweather for U.S economy, is now one few dow stock going up.And the retailer many considerate dead J.C Penney seem found new life. Also Auto sales are at records.Gold for once is going up maybe replacing the dollars and U.S Treasuries as safe haven. But like high paying dividend stock like Exxon.