01:29 PM EST, 03/07/2024 (MT Newswires) -- Consumer stocks were rising Thursday afternoon, with the Consumer Staples Select Sector SPDR Fund (XLP) increasing 0.4% and the Consumer Discretionary Select Sector SPDR Fund (XLY) adding 1%.

In corporate news, Kroger ( KR ) shares jumped almost 9% to their highest levels in nearly two years on Thursday after posting improved Q4 financial results, with profit exceeding consensus estimates for the period.