If trend stands, consumer stocks to boost market

The U.S. stock market could get a shot in the arm next week as consumer-facing companies report earnings in a season in which the sector has so far been the overachiever. First-quarter earnings are winding down and the consumer discretionary components of the S&P 500 are the only sector showing double-digit earnings growth from a year ago. Following year-end holidays, the first quarter is not typically a good one for consumer spending.