01:18 PM EDT, 09/19/2025 (MT Newswires) -- Financial stocks were edging higher in Friday afternoon trading, with the NYSE Financial Index and the Financial Select Sector SPDR Fund (XLF) each up about 0.1%.

The Philadelphia Housing Index was shedding 1.3%, and the Real Estate Select Sector SPDR Fund (XLRE) was easing 0.1%.

Bitcoin (BTC-USD) was declining 1% to $115,930, and the yield for 10-year US Treasuries was rising 3 basis points to 4.13%.

In corporate news, Brighthouse Financial ( BHF ) is in advanced talks over a potential $65 to $70 per share takeover by a consortium led by Aquarian, valuing the annuity provider at up to $4 billion, Bloomberg reported. Brighthouse jumped past 30%.