Consumer Cos Down Amid Fuel-Price Fears — Consumer Roundup
Consumer companies fell after mixed retail-sales data.
March retail sales rose a stronger-than-anticipated 1.7%, but that was partly attributable to a massive 15.5% surge in gas station sales tied to a surge in global crude prices.
The number of homes going under contract in the U.S. rose in March, according to the National Association of Realtors' index of activity.
Homebuilder D.R. Horton rose after it recorded lower second-quarter profit as affordability concerns and economic uncertainty continued to put off homebuyers, forcing it to offer elevated incentives.
Italian ski-jacket maker Moncler posted a sharp increase in quarterly sales, snapping a trend of weakness in luxury demand.
One brokerage said sales of Swiss watches, a key leading indicator of luxury trends, are showing signs of stress.
"The conflict in the Middle East has not yet affected watch exports to the United Arab Emirates, which improved 0.7% year-over-year in March, while Saudi Arabia has been more affected and saw a 16.8% decline," said analysts at brokerage Telsey Advisory Group, in a note to clients.
President Trump added his voice to those opposing a mooted merger between United Airlines and American Airlines, adding to Washington lawmakers' dim view of a potential megadeal.
Trump also said the U.S. could support a rescue of bankrupt discount airline Spirit.
United Airlines fell in late trading after it cut its growth projection due to fuel costs.
Write to Rob Curran at rob.curran@dowjones.com
(END) Dow Jones Newswires
April 21, 2026 18:06 ET (22:06 GMT)
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