03:52 PM EST, 12/16/2024 (MT Newswires) -- Financial stocks were mixed in late Monday afternoon trading with the NYSE Financial Index adding 0.1% and the Financial Select Sector SPDR Fund (XLF) easing 0.2%.

The Philadelphia Housing Index shed 0.7%, and the Real Estate Select Sector SPDR Fund (XLRE) eased 0.1%.

Bitcoin (BTC-USD) rose 1.8% to $106,204, and the yield for 10-year US Treasuries was little changed at 4.40%.

In economic news, New York manufacturing activity declined more than projected in December as orders and shipments tumbled, the Federal Reserve Bank of New York said. The Empire State Manufacturing Survey's general business conditions index fell to 0.2 this month from 31.2 in November. The consensus was for a drop to 10, according to a survey compiled by Bloomberg.

US retail sales are expected to rise 0.6% in November after a 0.4% increase in the previous month, according to a survey compiled by Bloomberg, with motor vehicle sales seen climb further after a 1.6% increase. The data are scheduled to be released at 8:30 am ET Tuesday.

In corporate news, the US Department of Justice is seeking information from real estate services company Douglas Elliman ( DOUG ) on Oren and Tal Alexander, former agents who were recently arrested on sex trafficking charges, Bloomberg reported. Douglas Elliman ( DOUG ) shares fell 4.3%.

American Express ( AXP ) shares added 0.4% after it said Monday the net write-off rate for US consumer card member loans in November fell to 2% from 2.4% in October.

Berkshire Hills Bancorp ( BHLB ) and Brookline Bancorp ( BRKL ) agreed to merge in a $1.1 billion all-stock deal. Berkshire shares fell 1.5% and Brookline shed 0.8%.

Goldman Sachs' ( GS ) investment arm Goldman Sachs Asset Management agreed to buy drugmaker Synthon from BC Partners for 2 billion euros ($2.1 billion), the Financial Times reported. Goldman shares rose 0.2%.