<div id="readability-page-1"><div> Consumer companies surged after surprisingly strong earnings and increased anticipation of rate cuts. Retail sales rose a seasonally adjusted 0.2% in September from the prior month, a lesser increase than economists had anticipated, the Commerce Department said. The data followed a weak reading of consumer confidence, and coincided with a report of shrinking private jobs market in October. Traders bet the data was weak enough to leave room for a rate cut from the Federal Reserve in December. On Monday, San Francisco Fed President Mary Daly said she supported a December rate cut because she viewed risks on the employment side of the Fed's dual mandate as greater than those on the inflation side. Kohl's shares surged after the department store chain raised its full-year growth projections and posted a surprise quarterly profit, saying its turnaround is gaining momentum. Best Buy Chief Executive Corie Barry said consumers across income groups are spending on new laptops, videogame consoles and cellphones, the latest sign of strength for the American shopper. Sportswear chain Dick's Sporting Goods said its namesake banner continues to perform well and that its acquisition of Foot Locker represents a major growth opportunity, despite the brand's current challenges. Youth clothier Abercrombie &amp; Fitch nudged the expected growth range toward the high end after sales rose in the third quarter. Burlington Stores raised its full-year outlook as low-income consumers continued to open their wallets at the discount clothing store. Folgers owner J.M. Smucker is no longer considering raising coffee prices during the current quarter after the Trump administration's removal of raw-coffee tariffs. The S&amp;P Cotality Case-Shiller National Home Price Index, which measures home prices across the country, rose 1.3% in the 12 months through September, compared with a revised 1.4% rise in August. <pre></pre> Write to Rob Curran at rob.curran@dowjones.com (END) Dow Jones Newswires November 25, 2025 18:56 ET (23:56 GMT)Copyright (c) 2025 Dow Jones &amp; Company, Inc.</div></div>

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Consumer companies surged after strong earnings and anticipation of rate cuts. Retail sales rose 0.2% in September, less than expected. Traders anticipate a December rate cut. Kohl's shares rose after raising growth projections. Best Buy reports strong consumer spending. Dick's Sporting Goods sees growth in Foot Locker acquisition. Abercrombie & Fitch and Burlington Stores raised growth outlooks. J.M. Smucker halts coffee price hikes. Home prices rose 1.3% in September.

Consumer Cos Surge After Earnings — Consumer Roundup