08:44 AM EST, 12/24/2024 (MT Newswires) -- Financial stocks were higher in Tuesday's premarket hours as the Financial Select Sector SPDR Fund (XLF) recently advanced by 0.1%.

The Direxion Daily Financial Bull 3X Shares (FAS) was up 0.3% and its bearish counterpart Direxion Daily Financial Bear 3X Shares (FAZ) was 0.2% lower.

Bankwell Financial Group ( BWFG ) said its board approved an expansion of Director Lawrence Seidman's stake in the company to a maximum of 14.99% from 9.9%. Bankwell Financial Group ( BWFG ) shares were over 3% lower pre-bell.