01:50 PM EDT, 08/15/2025 (MT Newswires) -- Financial stocks fell in Friday afternoon trading, with the NYSE Financial Index decreasing 0.5% and the Financial Select Sector SPDR Fund (XLF) shedding 0.8%.

The Philadelphia Housing Index rose 0.2%, and the Real Estate Select Sector SPDR Fund (XLRE) gained 0.9%.

Bitcoin (BTC-USD) dropped 0.9% to $117,306, and the yield for 10-year US Treasuries gained 3.5 basis points to 4.328%.

In economic news, US retail sales rose 0.5% in July sequentially following an upwardly revised 0.9% rise in June, according to the Census Bureau. The consensus compiled by Bloomberg called for a 0.6% gain.

The University of Michigan's preliminary consumer sentiment index fell to 58.6 in August from 61.7 in July, surprising analysts anticipating an increase to 62, according to a Bloomberg survey.

In corporate news, Citigroup ( C ) has been pitching to investors a potential deal to help Ukraine fund its reconstruction, Bloomberg reported. Citi shares fell 1.3%.

A consortium led by BlackRock's ( BLK ) Global Infrastructure Partners signed an $11 billion deal with Saudi Aramco's Jafurah gas processing facilities to create a midstream gas unit for leaseback arrangements. BlackRock ( BLK ) shares shed 1.4%.

Goldman Sachs ( GS ) is offering clients stakes in Millennium Management starting at $1 million, Bloomberg reported. Goldman shares fell 1.9%.

Currenc ( CURR ) said Ronnie Hui stepped down as chief executive officer, and founder and Executive Chairman Alex Kong will take over as CEO. The stock added 2.1%.