09:03 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 0.2%.

The Direxion Daily Financial Bull 3X Shares ( FAS ) was up 0.2% and its bearish counterpart Direxion Daily Financial Bear 3X Shares ( FAZ ) was 0.1% 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 more than 3% lower pre-bell.

Blackstone (BX) shares were up 0.4% after the company said it expects Q4 total realized performance revenue and total realized principal investment income through Dec. 23 over $775 million.