03:48 PM EST, 01/03/2025 (MT Newswires) -- Consumer stocks were higher late Friday afternoon, with the Consumer Staples Select Sector SPDR Fund (XLP) up 0.1% and the Consumer Discretionary Select Sector SPDR Fund (XLY) climbing 2%.

In corporate news, Getty Images ( GETY ) is considering a merger with Shutterstock ( SSTK ) , Bloomberg reported. Getty shares surged past 17% and Shutterstock ( SSTK ) rose 9%.

Ford (F) shares popped 2.5% after the carmaker said Friday its US retail sales grew by 17% in Q4 and by 6% in 2024 overall.

Shares of alcohol beverage makers were falling after US Surgeon General Vivek Murthy released an advisory outlining the direct link between alcohol consumption and an increased risk of cancer. Murthy also called for cancer warnings on alcoholic drinks. Anheuser-Busch InBev ( BUD ) shares fell 2%, Diageo ( DEO ) was down 3.5%, Molson Coors ( TAP/A ) dropped 3.1%, and Constellation (STZ) was off 0.4%.

Rivian Automotive ( RIVN ) shares jumped nearly 25% after its Q4 deliveries beat Wall Street estimates.