Consumer companies fell after comments from Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell pushed up Treasury yields.

Treasury yields, which are often used as benchmarks for consumer-loan rates, were already hovering near 2024 highs before Powell hinted that the central bank could pause rate cuts sooner than previously anticipated because of solid economic data.

Ben & Jerry's sued its parent company, Unilever, accusing the consumer-goods giant of silencing its attempts to speak out in support of Palestinians and threatening to dismantle its independent board.

Book, magazine and snack retailer WH Smith plans to boost its presence in the fast-growing North American market with a target of 500 stores by 2028.

Advance Auto Parts shares fell as the after-market car parts seller said it would close hundreds of stores and cut jobs in the wake of an unexpected quarterly loss.

Alexandre Arnault, a son of LVMH Chairman Bernard Arnault, is stepping into a senior management role at the group's vast wines-and-spirits business, a move that advances the 32-year-old executive's position as a contender to one day succeed his father at the helm of the world's largest luxury conglomerate.


Write to Rob Curran at rob.curran@dowjones.com

(END) Dow Jones Newswires

11-14-24 1751ET