The consumer discretionary sector is trading lower in the pre-market session, driven by broad-based market weakness. Escalating geopolitical tensions in the Middle East have pushed oil prices higher, fueling inflation concerns and souring investor sentiment globally. Compounding the issue, the University of Michigan's preliminary August consumer sentiment index showed a significant and unexpected decline, signaling consumer anxiety which directly impacts discretionary spending outlooks. Recent weak retail sales data from the previous session also contributes to the negative backdrop for the sector.