03:33 PM EDT, 03/17/2025 (MT Newswires) -- Financial stocks were higher in late Monday afternoon trading, with the NYSE Financial Index rising 1.4% and the Financial Select Sector SPDR Fund (XLF) adding 1.6%.

The Philadelphia Housing Index rose 1.2%, and the Real Estate Select Sector SPDR Fund (XLRE) climbed 2%.

Bitcoin (BTC-USD) was increasing 2.2% to $84,432, and the yield for 10-year US Treasuries was slightly lower at 4.31%.

In economic news, US retail sales rose 0.2% in February, lower than the 0.6% increase expected in a survey compiled by Bloomberg and following the previous month's revised 1.2% fall.

The National Association of Home Builders' monthly housing market index fell to a reading of 39 in March from 42 in February, compared with expectations for no change in a survey compiled by Bloomberg.

In sector news, the S&P 500 will likely finish 2025 lower than previously expected as the US economy slows down, with tariff uncertainty potentially weighing on companies' profits, according to RBC Capital Markets. The brokerage lowered its year-end index target by 6% to 6,200.

In corporate news, CION Investment ( CION ) shares fell 3.8% after Wells Fargo downgraded the company's stock to underweight from equalweight and lowered its price target to $10 from $11.