Consumer discretionary stocks remain in focus as companies navigate shifting consumer spending, travel demand, e-commerce growth, and evolving economic conditions across retail and leisure markets.
In light of this, below is a list of the top S&P 500 Consumer Discretionary holdings
BRITS are jetting away in record numbers, but landing abroad to a shock mobile phone bill can instantly ruin your holiday vibe.
Thankfully, savvy travelers are dumping traditional setups for a clever digital alternative powered by Swiss tech pioneer Yesim.
Sign up for the Travel newsletter
Thank you!
eSIMs make staying connected while abroad easy aaaffordable
Yesim eSIM – claim exclusive 15% discount with code: GETYESIM15
Why is traditional roaming outdated?
Ever since Brexit, major UK mobile providers have reintroduced painful daily fees just to use your standard phone data in Europe.
Big networks like EE and Vodafone hit travellers with charges up to £2.75 a day, which easily scales up to nearly £100 for a family holiday in Spain.
Worse still, traditional roaming ties your phone to a single local network provider, meaning your data speeds will completely tank if that specific partner has weak signal.
You also face the terrifying risk of automatic out-of-bundle charges if you accidentally slip past your hidden data allowance while streaming or video calling.
What are travel eSIMs and how do they work?
An eSIM is a clever digital microchip already baked directly into modern iPhones, Samsung Galaxies, and Google Pixel devices.
While the physical chip is built into your phone, a travel eSIM is a dedicated service that lets you download a cheap, temporary data profile over the air.
You simply install the profile at home while having a cuppa, and the internet connection automatically kicks in the very second your flight lands abroad.
Best of all, your primary UK SIM card stays completely active in parallel, meaning you can still receive emergency calls and crucial banking verification texts on your usual number.
What is Yesim, and how does it work?
Swiss tech brand Yesim is an industry pioneer making mobile connectivity a seamless, budget-friendly digital service.
Operating for seven years with over 800 partner operators, Yesim provide unstoppable coverage across 200 world destinations.
However, two terms are often confused in the market, and understanding the difference matters.
What is an eSIM?
An eSIM is simply the hardware: a microchip built into modern smartphones that allows profiles to be downloaded remotely, but it doesn’t guarantee lower prices or reliable connections abroad.
What is a travel eSIM?
A Travel eSIM, however, is the complete service ecosystem built around that chip.
It provides an app for choosing plans, 24/7 customer support, automatic connection to the strongest network, and transparent, fixed pricing.
That service layer is what you are actually paying for.
Why choose Yesim?
Yesim delivers that exact ecosystem, offering tailored data options for every holiday style, backed by multi-lingual support with a rapid six-minute average response time.
First-time users can even test the network with a 500MB trial plan for just £0.45.
To get started, check your phone’s compatibility on their website and install the profile via the app.
Sun readers can score an exclusive 15% discount right now by using the promo code GETYESIM15 – claim here
Why you should consider a travel eSim for your next trip?
Unlike network providers that lock you into one signal, travel eSIMs like Yesim seamlessly switch in the background to whatever local network is strongest.
They offer total cash predictability by forcing you to look at the exact data limit, pricing, and expiry period before you spend a single penny.
Whether you need a quick 5GB chunk for a week in Turkey, or a Global Package (80+ countries) or Global Plus Package (140+ countries) for backpacking across South America, you choose a plan tailored perfectly to your trip.
For trips with unpredictable routes, the Pay & Fly plan offers a flexible pay-as-you-go model available in more than 170 countries.
You can even safely use your smartphone as a personal hotspot to share the internet with your tablet, laptop, or the rest of the family.
The Yesim app utilises switchless connection technology to automatically connect to the strongest network from over 800 partner operators globally.
The brand’s Multiple eSIMs feature allows you to manage connectivity for several devices from a single account.
The main app owner can share eSIM profiles with family members or colleagues without needing to install the app on every device.
AMAZON shoppers are racing to snap up a viral cabin bag that is perfect for dodging dreaded airline luggage fees.
Originally priced at £29.99, the popular bag has been slashed to just £25.49 for the black version.
Sign up for the Travel newsletter
Thank you!
This bag is designed to fit within budget airline travel restrictions
Vankev Underseat Cabin Bag, £25.49 (was £29.99)
With the bank holiday weekend just days away, lots of savvy shoppers will be jetting off on mini-breaks – and keen to keep extra costs to a minimum.
Budget carriers like Ryanair and EasyJet are notoriously stringent with their baggage rules, meaning flyers can usually only bring a single small personal item onboard for free.
Amazon sells plenty of bargain luggage – no doubt aimed at panicky last-minute spenders – but this particular underseat backpack has racked up thousands of rave reviews.
Measuring exactly 40x20x25cm, in line with Ryanair hand luggage rules, the 20-litre bag is perfectly sized to slide under the seat, meaning you won’t have to spend any extra fees.
It’s got two main compartments, including a suitcase-style opening for clothes, plus a separate padded sleeve that fits a 14-inch laptop.
The backpack boasts a TSA-friendly design, which means it unfolds flat between 90 and 180 degrees so you do not have to clumsily unpack your electronics at airport security.
It also features a handy luggage strap to slide over your main suitcase handle, and a hidden anti-theft pocket that’s perfect for passports and other valuables.
But over 5,000 Amazon shoppers have left five-star reviews on the website, stunned by its quality at that cheap-as-chips price.
“I used this bag for an 8-day trip across Europe,” one happy traveller wrote.
“It was perfect for under the seat on both Ryanair and EasyJet. (No extra fees!) The compartments were all great.”
Another impressed flyer noted: “I have to say, it really impressed me. I easily managed to fit my essentials, including a 14-inch laptop, which had its own padded compartment – a nice touch for protection.
“The straps on this bag make it comfortable to carry around, whether you’re hiking through the airport or simply stashing it under the seat.”
It feels sturdy and well-made, which gives me confidence it’ll hold up during my travels.”
A third shopper added: “Much bigger than you expect, love this, couldn’t go wrong.
“I was amazed at how much I could fit in the bag and how it has a holster to put on my carry-on handle.
“Wow, love it. Worth every penny!”
Sale prices vary across each colour of the bag, and Amazon has marked the discount as a limited-time deal, so jet-setters will need to move fast.
THERE’S nothing worse than coming home from holiday to be hit with massive data roaming charges from your mobile provider.
As thousands of Brits head off on their summer hols, many are still being caught out by unexpected data roaming fees.
Sign up for the Travel newsletter
Thank you!
Don’t forget to install an eSIM before you travel – Holafly eSIMs cover 200+ destinationsCredit: Getty
Get 5% off Holafly eSIMs with discount code THESUNHOLA5
It’s easy to slip into ‘holiday mode’ abroad and fire off a WhatsApp message or check Google Maps, forgetting that every click is racking up a massive bill behind the scenes.
And even if you have a roaming pass from your mobile provider, the monthly cost can be eye-watering – and that’s if they cover your destination at all.
Thankfully, an eSIM from Holafly can help you avoid those unexpected fees.
The eSIMs start from just £2.99 and offer unlimited data – so no need to keep checking if you’ve nearly hit your data limit.
Plus, Sun readers can bag an extra 5% off an eSIM by using the coupon code THESUNHOLA5.
The code also gets you 10% off monthly plans. These are great if you’re a regular traveller, as they offer you unlimited data globally from £38.95 a month.
Once you buy your eSIM, it arrives via email and WhatsApp instantly.
You simply scan the QR code, or if you’re on iOS 17.4+, you can install it in one simple tap.
It’s easy-peasy and keeps your regular SIM (and WhatsApp number) active, so you won’t miss any messages from home.
It’s easy to forget which apps are eating away at your data when you are abroadCredit: Getty
And if you’re wondering whether Holafly covers the destination you’re headed to? It’s pretty likely that they do.
The eSIM company have expanded the amount of places they cover to over 200 destinations worldwide.
Whether you’re hitting European hotspots like Spain, France, and Italy, or going long-haul to the USA, Canada, Australia and beyond, you can stay online from the moment you land.
Other providers slap you with fair usage limits that can soon run out – but Holafly offers unlimited data.
There are no hidden fees, so don’t expect any unexpected charges or texts telling you you’ve gone over the limit.
Get 5% off Holafly eSIMs with discount code THESUNHOLA5
How to get your discounted Holafly eSIM
Getting set up with Holafly is incredibly simple, all you’ll need to do is:
IF you’re an over-packer who constantly battles to zip your suitcase shut, this Amazon find is a game-changer.
Shoppers are rushing to buy these compression packing cubes that do far more than just organise your holiday outfits – they actively squeeze your clothes down into compact bundles, too.
Sign up for the Travel newsletter
Thank you!
Compression packing cubes can save a lot more room in your suitcase than traditional onesCredit: Amazon
While regular packing cubes can save you around 15% luggage space, compression cubes can save you up to 50% – effectively giving you another half a suitcase to fill.
The cubes are slashed to nearly half-price on Amazon, where you can snap them up for just £19.99 – 33% down from the usual £29.99.
These compression cubes come in handy for all sorts of holidays, whether you’re heading off backpacking or want to pack as many Ibiza party outfits as possible.
First up I was impressed how small it was to fit in my suitcase, being not much bigger than a water bottle.
It is 32 per cent smaller than its standard hairdryer, being just 22cm compared to 28cm in length.
It’s also light, with a shorter 2m cord – meaning it kept my luggage weight low, as well as the added benefit of less arm ache when drying my hair.
Another tick in its favour is that it’s voltage automatically adapts to whichever country you are in, so it works in full no matter where you are.
Dyson Supersonic Travel Hair Dryer: Quickfire Q&A
How much is it? The Dyson Supersonic Travel Hair Dryer is currently £249.99.
Who’s it best for? Anyone wanting a faster hairdryer that they can still take on holiday in hand luggage.
What we loved: It was extremely fast compared to other high street hairdryers.
What we didn’t love: The price is still slightly steep.
But I was insanely impressed with how fast it dried my hair.
There are three different heats – low, medium and high – and two speed settings.
I tested it out on my just-out-the-shower hair meaning it was soaking wet.
Usually I have to let this dry for at least 20 minutes before even attempting to dry it.
I tried it on my soaking wet hair, which can easily take 20 minutes to dryIt comes with a magnetic styling concentrator too
And the Dyson on its hottest setting dried my hair almost completely in about three minutes.
Another two and it would definitely have been fully dry.
it also comes with a detachable styling concentrator which – very satisfyingly – clips on by magnet.
It made my hair feel much softer than I’d expected (often feeling pretty ratty and dry using the budget hotel hairdryers).
I wasn’t expecting to be as impressed as I was with it but it really is a gamechanger
I didn’t believe a hair dryer could actually dry hair that quickly, and while it might be a bit crazy to call it life changing, it’s something I’ve been raving about my friends to for weeks since.
The underseat bag has nearly halved in price, with Amazon slashing the cost down by 40% – taking the price down from £29.99 down to £17.95.
The bag measures 40 x 30 x 20cm, which is the exact maximum size for a Ryanair underseat bag – so you get maximum bang for your buck with this backpack.
This is also the maximum underseat bag size for airlines like Wizz Air, Jet2 and TUI, and it also fits within the size requirements for easyJet.
Whilst other viral underseat bags can be plain and boring to look at, this budget backpack looks expensive – with trendy brown and cream-coloured accents.
There’s also a sleek all-black option with gold zipper detailing.
One happy shopper noted that the bag “Fits loads inside” and “opens like a suitcase which is great for packing/unpacking on trips”.
She continued “the fact you can pull straps to condense really helps to ensure it complies with airline policies!”.
Another shopper said “This is great value for money. Essentially a backpack but in the shape of a case”.
A third happy customer declared the bag the “Perfect under-seat back pack” with “lots of pockets for all your extra bits”.
This underseat bag has plenty of pockets and organisers, including a waterproof pouchCredit: RIIGID UK
While other under-seat bags are often made of thin, flimsy fabric that offers sub-par protection for your tech, this backpack is built to last.
Crafted from thick, waterproof and slash-proof material, this bag keeps your laptop secure and holds its shape perfectly.
Unlike cheaper alternatives that become lumpy and awkward once stuffed, this sturdy bag stays comfortable and secure once it’s packed.
There’s also plenty of handy pockets and compartments to organise all of your items neatly.
There’s a sturdy laptop compartment at the back, a handy pocket organiser at the front, and a front zipper pocket – perfect for popping your passport or phone inside for easy access.
There’s also a side pocket for your water bottle, and even a built-in wet bag inside to store any wet swimwear or leaky toileteries.
Plus this smart 24L bag offers 20% more capacity than many other viral bags which offer similar dimensions but only 20L of storage.
This backpack offers 24L of storage, with the maximum dimensions for a Ryanair underseat bagCredit: Amazon
Avoid getting caught out and having to fork out a fee by using this nifty at-home luggage scale.
The gadget has nearly 27,000 reviews, the large majority of which are 5-star and praise how easy it is to use.
One happy shopper shared: “I can confidently say it is a must-have for anyone looking to avoid those dreaded “overweight” fees at the airport.
“It’s rare to find a gadget that is both simple and incredibly effective, but this hits the mark.”
He continued to write: “If you want a scale that is sturdy, comfortable to hold, and accurate, look no further. It does exactly what it promises with zero hassle”.
Another delighted reviewer said: “Before discovering this scale, I often faced the stress and uncertainty of whether my luggage would meet airline weight restrictions.”
“With the MYCARBON scale, those worries are a thing of the past”.
While there are luggage scales at some airports, it’s much easier to weigh your bags at home then take out what you don’t need, rather than find out at the airport that it’s already too late.
Plus nobody wants to be stuck buying a new suitcase at the airport, where prices are often hiked for passengers in a pinch left with no choice.
And who wants to essentially pay for their holiday twice just because you forgot to weigh your luggage at home?
It’s even been reported that some airline staff are rewarded with ‘bonuses‘ for catching out passengers with oversized baggage.
Avoid those pesky fees by using this scale – you can even pack it and bring it with you on holiday to make sure that your bags aren’t over the weight limit from any shopping you do abroad.