09:23 AM EDT, 09/29/2025 (MT Newswires) -- Financial stocks were edging higher premarket Monday, with the Financial Select Sector SPDR Fund (XLF) advancing by 0.4%.

The Direxion Daily Financial Bull 3X Shares ( FAS ) was up 1.1% and its bearish counterpart Direxion Daily Financial Bear 3X Shares ( FAZ ) was 1.7% lower.

KKR (KKR) shares were up more than 1% after the company said it's making a "growth investment" in Infobric, a construction software company in the Nordics and the UK, primarily through its Global Impact Fund II. Separately, KKR's acquisition of sole control of the UK's Spectris has been approved by the European Commission, the authority said.

Apollo Global Management ( APO ) shares were up more than 1% after the company said it has launched Apollo Sports Capital, a new investment business focused on global sports and live events. Separately, Apollo Global Management's ( APO ) acquisition of sole control of Kelvion Thermal Solutions Holding has been approved by the European Commission.

Ares Management ( ARES ) stock was 0.8% higher after the company said funds managed by its Infrastructure Opportunities strategy acquired 100% equity interest in Meade Pipeline for about $1.1 billion in cash.