When the economy is strong, consumer discretionary stocks usually sprint ahead. But in 2025, the sector's two heaviest runners—Tesla Inc. (NASDAQ:TSLA) and Amazon.com Inc. (NASDAQ:AMZN)—are slowing the entire race, masking a healthier picture underneath.
The Consumer Discretionary Select Sector SPDR Fund (NYSE:XLY), which tracks top U.S. companies in autos, retail and leisure, has badly trailed the S&P 500 this year.
