<div id="readability-page-1"><div><p>Consumer companies rose as traders digested the Federal Reserve's rate cut and outlook.</p><p>    The number of Americans filing new claims for unemployment benefits rose last week, increasing by 44,000 to 236,000, but stayed well within the 2025 range. </p><p>    Marlboro maker Altria Group said Chief Executive Billy Gifford will retire in May and named its current chief financial officer Sal Mancuso as Gifford's replacement. </p><p>   Write to Rob Curran at rob.curran@dowjones.com </p><p>    (END) Dow Jones Newswires</p><p>12-11-25 1715ET</p></div></div>

<p>Consumer companies rose as traders digested the Federal Reserve's rate cut and outlook. The number of Americans filing new claims for unemployment benefits rose last week, increasing by 44,000 to 236,000, but stayed well within the 2025 range. Marlboro maker Altria Group said Chief Executive Billy Gifford will retire in May and named its current chief financial officer Sal Mancuso as Gifford's replacement. Write to Rob Curran at rob.curran@dowjones.com (END) Dow Jones Newswires 12-11-25 1715ET</p>

Consumer Cos Up as Traders Digest Fed Rate Cut - Consumer Roundup