03:34 PM EST, 01/31/2025 (MT Newswires) -- Consumer stocks were retreating late Friday afternoon, with the Consumer Staples Select Sector SPDR Fund (XLP) falling 0.9% and the Consumer Discretionary Select Sector SPDR Fund (XLY) shedding 0.5%.

In corporate news, United Airlines (UAL) denied rumors that it's in negotiations or discussions with another airline regarding a merger, acquisition or similar deal, according to a Friday regulatory filing. Its shares were down 2.7%.