Financial stocks rose in late Wednesday afternoon trading with the NYSE Financial Index and the Financial Select Sector SPDR Fund (XLF) both adding 0.4%.

The Philadelphia Housing Index gained 1.2%, and the Real Estate Select Sector SPDR Fund (XLRE) advanced 0.4%.

Bitcoin (BTC-USD) fell 1.1% to $71,872, and the yield for 10-year US Treasuries dropped 1 basis point to 4.26%.

In economic news, US gross domestic product rose 2.8% in Q3, slower than a 3% increase in Q2 and less than a 2.9% gain expected in a survey compiled by Bloomberg.

In corporate news, BlackRock (BLK) emerged as the sole suitor for private-credit firm HPS Investment Partners with the sides in advanced talks over a potential acquisition, Bloomberg reported. Separately, BlackRock's Alacrity Solutions is reportedly in restructuring talks with creditors. BlackRock shares eased 0.2%.

HomeStreet (HMST) shares plunged 34% in recent trading, a day after the company said regulatory approvals for its pending merger with FirstSun Capital (FSUN) "have not been obtained." FirstSun shares fell 7%.

Visa (V) reported fiscal Q4 non-GAAP earnings and revenue that beat market expectations. Its shares jumped 3%.

Baldwin Insurance (BWIN) shares fell 5.7%. Blue Orca Capital accused Baldwin of acquiring small insurance firms that were already associated with the company before the acquisition, which allowed it to move commission costs off the income statement to the balance sheet and artificially inflate adjusted EBITDA and operating cash flow.