01:49 PM EST, 03/04/2024 (MT Newswires) -- Consumer stocks were lower Monday afternoon, with the Consumer Staples Select Sector SPDR Fund (XLP) easing 0.1% and the Consumer Discretionary Select Sector SPDR Fund (XLY) down 1.2%.

In corporate news, JetBlue Airways ( JBLU ) and Spirit Airlines ( SAVE ) agreed to terminate their planned $3.8 billion merger amid regulatory hurdles after the US Justice Department blocked the deal in January on antitrust concerns. JetBlue ( JBLU ) shares were up 1.7%, and Spirit Airlines ( SAVE ) plunged more than 13%.

Macy's (M) jumped almost 15% after it confirmed it received an increased unsolicited full buyout proposal from Arkhouse Management and Brigade Capital Management.

Ford (F) added 3.3%. The company said US vehicle sales rose 11% in February to 174,192 from 157,606 a year earlier. EV sales were up 81% to 6,368.