US STOCKS: Late Equities Roundup: Travel Stocks Underperforming

* US equity indexes hold weaker levels late Wednesday, near lows after higher than expected flash PMI data and a rebound in crude prices weighed on risk sentiment. * Stocks held a relatively narrow range since midday with DJIA currently -0.6%, SPX emini -0.7%, Nasdaq -1.1%. * Consumer Discretionary sector shares led declines in the second half, travel-related shares weighing: Airbnb Inc -6.11%, Expedia Group -5.99%, Booking Holdings -4.49% and Royal Caribbean Cruises -3.08%. * Of note, McDonald's Corp fell -4.99%, analysts citing lackluster forecast tied to accelerating inflation. Investors also expressed concerns over a $8.5 billion franchisee support plan through 2036, which pressures short-term cash flow despite aiming for long-term modernization and a 50% operating margin by 2030. * On the positives side, the Energy sector was buoyed by oil and gas stocks as crude prices rebounded: APA Corp +3.24%, Devon Energy +3.13%, ConocoPhillips +2.43% and Occidental Petroleum Corp +2.01%.