02:08 PM EDT, 08/09/2024 (MT Newswires) -- Financial stocks were higher 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 rose 0.6%, and the Real Estate Select Sector SPDR Fund (XLRE) was up 0.7%.

Bitcoin (BTC-USD) was 1.3% higher 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%.

Paymentus ( PAY ) shares jumped past 14% after the company late Thursday reported higher Q2 non-GAAP earnings and revenue in addition to lifting its 2024 sales outlook.

Synchrony Financial ( SYF ) and Bread Financial ( BFH ) are expected to benefit from delays in the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau's late-fee rule, which will provide both companies with time to implement pricing and policy adjustments, BofA Securities said in a note Friday. BofA upgraded both Synchrony and Bread Financial ( BFH ) to buy from neutral with a $54 price objective. Bread shares jumped 6.8%, and Synchrony was up 0.9%.