Financial stocks were mixed in Thursday afternoon trading, with the NYSE Financial Index fractionally higher and the Financial Select Sector SPDR Fund (XLF) slightly lower.

The Philadelphia Housing Index was climbing 1.3%, and the Real Estate Select Sector SPDR Fund (XLRE) added 0.5%.

Bitcoin (BTC-USD) was increasing 1.3% to $67,533, while the yield for 10-year US Treasuries was dropping 4 basis points to 4.20%.

In economic news, US initial jobless claims fell to 227,000 in the week ended Oct. 19 from an upwardly revised 242,000 level in the previous week, below expectations for 242,000 in a survey of analysts compiled by Bloomberg.

In corporate news, Territorial Bancorp (TBNK) shareholder Yakira Capital Management said Thursday it's concerned about the bank's refusal to consider a potential superior acquisition offer from the Blue Hill Advisors consortium over its planned merger deal with Hope Bancorp (HOPE). Territorial shares dropped 2.1% and Hope was down 1%.

KKR (KKR) shares jumped nearly 4% after the company reported higher Q3 adjusted earnings and revenue compared with a year earlier.

BlackRock (BLK) said Thursday it has launched three exchange traded funds to improve investor access to major US-listed companies. Its shares shed 0.2%.