Consumer Goods 17 February 2026 - 2 May 2026

Reckitt Benckiser’s China Speed Bet Puts Durex, Lysol Maker Back in Market Focus
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Reckitt Benckiser’s China Speed Bet Puts Durex, Lysol Maker Back in Market Focus

Reckitt Benckiser said ecommerce and social commerce now account for 80% of its China sales, up from 30% six years ago, with China revenue nearing £1 billion after 11 quarters of double-digit growth. The company bought back £9 million in shares on May 7. Reckitt missed first-quarter revenue forecasts in April and warned of lower first-half margins, citing weak demand and higher costs.
May 9, 2026
Unilever PLC Price Hikes Are Back: Dove Maker Beats Forecasts, Then Flags Cost Squeeze
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Unilever PLC Price Hikes Are Back: Dove Maker Beats Forecasts, Then Flags Cost Squeeze

Unilever reported first-quarter underlying sales growth of 3.8%, beating forecasts as volume rose 2.9%. The company plans selective price increases in the second half of 2026 due to higher costs linked to the Iran war, with inflation now expected at up to 900 million euros for the year. Shares rose 2.56% on Friday. Finance chief Srinivas Phatak said price hikes could reach 3% if cost pressures persist.
May 2, 2026
Coca-Cola stock price: KO closes near highs after CAGNY remarks, as investors weigh consumer demand
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Coca-Cola stock price: KO closes near highs after CAGNY remarks, as investors weigh consumer demand

Coca-Cola shares rose 1.12% to $79.56 Tuesday, nearing a 52-week high as rivals PepsiCo and Mondelez fell. Executives at the CAGNY conference highlighted marketing and digital efforts, while the company reaffirmed 2026 growth targets and a $5.2 billion share repurchase. The S&P 500 edged up 0.1%. CEO-elect Henrique Braun takes over in March.
February 18, 2026
P&G stock slips as insider sale filing hits and consumer staples face fresh demand doubts
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P&G stock slips as insider sale filing hits and consumer staples face fresh demand doubts

Procter & Gamble shares slipped 0.5% to $159.21 midday Tuesday after a regulatory filing showed Chief R&D Officer Victor Javier Aguilar sold 15,169 shares. General Mills’ profit warning pressured consumer goods stocks, fueling concerns about demand and pricing. Investors are awaiting Federal Reserve minutes Wednesday for signals on rates and the economic outlook.
February 17, 2026

Stock Market Today

  • Australian Baby Boomers Face Retirement Challenges Amid Inflation and Weak Stock Returns
    June 1, 2026, 9:59 PM EDT. A new Colonial First State report highlights the impact of high inflation on Australian baby boomers preparing for retirement. Australians may need to work longer due to the rising cost of living outpacing financial market returns. The report warns of the double threat of inflation and poor investment performance undermining retirement plans, compounded by a shift in government financial support and declining house prices. Historical data from the US, UK, and Australian markets reveal that inflation-adjusted stock returns can remain stagnant or negative for extended periods, especially concerning for retirees reliant on market gains. The 2022 collapse of a typical 60/40 stocks and bonds portfolio underscores the volatility risk amid adverse conditions.