Consumer discretionary stocks declined, with the XLY ETF falling 1.51%, as rising geopolitical tensions in the Middle East pushed crude oil prices above $100 a barrel. The surge in energy costs is stoking inflation fears and concerns about a potential squeeze on consumer spending. This broader market downturn saw the Dow, S&P 500, and Nasdaq all trading lower, with the consumer discretionary sector being one of the weakest performers due to its sensitivity to consumer sentiment and gasoline prices.