01:37 PM EDT, 04/08/2026 (MT Newswires) -- Consumer stocks were higher Wednesday afternoon, with the State Street Consumer Staples Select Sector SPDR ETF (XLP) increasing 1.2% and the State Street Consumer Discretionary Select Sector SPDR ETF (XLY) gaining 3%.

In corporate news, airline and cruise operator stocks advanced following the overnight US-Iran ceasefire deal that boosted investor confidence and lowered geopolitical risk. Carnival (CCL) shares soared 11%, and United Airlines (UAL) surged 9%.

Delta Air Lines ( DAL ) shares jumped past 5%. The company on Wednesday reported better-than-expected Q1 results amid robust corporate and leisure demand, although it flagged a fuel expense increase of more than $2 billion in the current three-month period due to the Middle East war.

Levi Strauss (LEVI) shares climbed 12% after the denim maker lifted its full-year outlook and reported an unexpected year-over-year increase in fiscal Q1 earnings.

Bed Bath & Beyond ( BBBY ) said Wednesday it has signed a preliminary agreement to acquire the equity interests and assets of F9 Brands for nearly $150 million. Bed Bath & Beyond ( BBBY ) shares jumped 11%.