The Consumer Staples Select Sector SPDR ETF (XLP) is trading higher in the pre-market session, driven by a positive reaction to the third-quarter earnings report from key component Kimberly-Clark (KMB). The company reported adjusted earnings per share of $1.70, surpassing analyst expectations. This earnings beat is providing a lift to the broader consumer staples sector against a backdrop of mixed pre-market futures for the major indices, suggesting sector-specific strength. The move also continues a recent trend of investor rotation into defensive sectors.