03:51 PM EDT, 08/27/2025 (MT Newswires) -- Financial stocks advanced in late Wednesday afternoon trading, with the NYSE Financial Index up 0.3% and the Financial Select Sector SPDR Fund (XLF) rising 0.4%.

The Philadelphia Housing Index declined 0.1%, and the Real Estate Select Sector SPDR Fund (XLRE) added 0.6%.

Bitcoin (BTC-USD) rose 1.1% to $112,194, and the yield for 10-year US Treasuries declined 1.6 basis points to 4.24%.

In economic news, mortgage applications fell by 0.5% in the week ended Friday on a decline in refinancing applications that was partially offset by an increase in purchase applications, according to Mortgage Bankers Association data.

In corporate news, Apollo Global Management ( APO ) held early talks with advisers to Coca-Cola (KO) about a potential bid for UK coffee chain Costa Coffee, Sky News reported. Apollo shares rose 1.3%.

Blackstone (BX) plans to expand its data center project in Spain's Aragon region with an additional 4.3 billion euros ($5.03 billion) investment, Reuters reported. Blackstone shares added 0.4%.

Aspen Insurance ( AHL ) agreed to be acquired by Japan's Sompo Holdings for $3.5 billion in cash, or $37.50 a share. Aspen stock jumped more than 13%.

Elliott Investment Management has taken a stake in Rexford Industrial Realty ( REXR ) that makes it one of the top five investors in the real estate investment trust, Bloomberg reported. Rexford shares climbed 5%.