Sector Update: Consumer Stocks Rise Pre-Bell Tuesday

09:16 AM EDT, 10/20/2026 (MT Newswires) -- Consumer stocks were rising pre-bell Tuesday, with the State Street Consumer Staples Select Sector SPDR ETF (XLP) 0.5% higher and the State Street Consumer Discretionary Select Sector SPDR ETF (XLY) up 0.1%. Kroger (KR) shares were up more than 1% after the company said it targets comparable sales growth of about 3%, excluding fuel and pharmacy, in 2029 as it launches a multi-year plan to strengthen its grocery business, improve customer value and accelerate growth. Walmart (WMT) launched a membership plan combining Walmart+ and Sam's Club Plus for $120 a year, the company said. Walmart stock was up more than 1% premarket. Genuine Parts (GPC) shares were down 9% after the company narrowed its 2026 adjusted earnings per share outlook to between $7.50 and $7.75, compared with its prior guidance of $7.50 to $8.