01:11 PM EDT, 08/13/2025 (MT Newswires) -- Consumer stocks were higher Wednesday afternoon, with the Consumer Staples Select Sector SPDR Fund (XLP) up 0.1% and the Consumer Discretionary Select Sector SPDR Fund (XLY) rising 1.2%.

In corporate news, Gildan Activewear ( GIL ) and Hanesbrands ( HBI ) said Wednesday they have signed a definitive merger agreement under which Gildan will buy Hanes in a cash-and-stock deal with an equity value of about $2.2 billion.. Gildan shares jumped past 11%, and Hanesbrands ( HBI ) climbed 4.8%.