01:46 PM EDT, 08/09/2024 (MT Newswires) -- Financial stocks were advancing in Friday afternoon trading, with the NYSE Financial Index rising 0.4% and the Financial Select Sector SPDR Fund (XLF) adding 0.6%.

The Philadelphia Housing Index was 0.6% higher, and the Real Estate Select Sector SPDR Fund (XLRE) was up 0.7%.

Bitcoin (BTC-USD) was up about 1.7% at $60,592, and the yield for 10-year US Treasuries was falling 5 basis points to 3.95%.

In corporate news, Shift4 Payments ( FOUR ) H2 growth ramp is "well supported" due to a healthy pipeline, global expansion, and seasonality, Morgan Stanley said in a note. It raised its price target on the stock to $70 from $66 while keeping its equal-weight rating. Shift4 shares were rising 1.5%.