<div id="readability-page-1"><div> Consumer companies fell as concerns about rising fuel prices persisted. Ryanair Holdings shares dropped after the Irish budget carrier warned of weakening prices into the key summer season, last-minute bookings and a spike in fuel costs. &#34;I still think the wealth effect is a bigger deal than the price of oil as far as consumer spending is concerned,&#34; said J.D. Joyce, president of Houston financial advisory Joyce Wealth Management. Still, the &#34;energy price shock&#34; is already showing up in inflation data, which could be a factor for Federal Reserve policy and spending in some areas. The impact of higher gasoline prices on broad consumer behavior could become clearer with earnings due this week from Walmart, Target, Home Depot and Lowe's, said Joyce. These retailers will &#34;collectively tell us how the consumer is holding up, especially right now during this time of inflation,&#34; said Joyce. Yogawear retailer Lululemon Athletica is urging its shareholders to vote against the slate of directors nominated by founder Chip Wilson, saying he has outdated perspectives about how to position the athletic-apparel retailer for the future. The NAHB/Wells Fargo Housing Market Index, a gauge of home-builder confidence, increased to 37 in May from 34 in April, even as affordability concerns lingered. <pre></pre> Write to Rob Curran at rob.curran@dowjones.com (END) Dow Jones Newswires May 18, 2026 17:27 ET (21:27 GMT)Copyright (c) 2026 Dow Jones &amp; Company, Inc.</div></div>

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Consumer companies declined due to rising fuel prices, with Ryanair Holdings shares falling amid warnings of weakening prices. J.D. Joyce from Joyce Wealth Management noted the 'wealth effect' may impact consumer spending more than oil prices. Upcoming earnings from Walmart, Target, Home Depot, and Lowe's will reveal consumer behavior amidst inflation. Lululemon Athletica is urging shareholders to reject founder Chip Wilson's director nominations. The NAHB/Wells Fargo Housing Market Index rose to 37 in May, despite ongoing affordability concerns.

- Consumer companies experienced declines due to ongoing concerns about rising fuel prices.  
- Ryanair Holdings warned of weakening prices and increasing fuel costs, while experts suggest that earnings reports from major retailers could clarify consumer behavior amidst inflation.  
- The NAHB/Wells Fargo Housing Market Index rose in May, indicating increased home-builder confidence despite affordability issues.

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Consumer Cos Down on Rising Fuel Prices — Consumer Roundup