Financial stocks were advancing in Wednesday afternoon trading, with the NYSE Financial Index rising 2.1% and the Financial Select Sector SPDR Fund (XLF) ahead 2.6%.

The Philadelphia Housing Index was climbing 2.1%, and the Real Estate Select Sector SPDR Fund (XLRE) was up 0.7%.

Bitcoin (BTC-USD) was increasing 2.6% to $99,088, and the yield for 10-year US Treasuries tumbled 12 basis points to 4.67%.

The US seasonally adjusted core consumer price index grew by 0.2%, below the consensus estimate for a 0.3% increase in a survey compiled by Bloomberg, and following a 0.3% gain in November, according to data released Wednesday by the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

In corporate news, Goldman Sachs (GS) reported stronger-than-expected Q4 earnings and revenue amid an acceleration in investment banking fees. Its shares jumped 5.8%.

Citigroup (C) said Wednesday it swung to a higher-than-expected Q4 profit while revenue topped market estimates, aided by growth in each of the lender's business segments. Its shares spiked 7.3%.

JPMorgan Chase (JPM) reported better-than-expected Q4 results on Wednesday buoyed by gains across all of its business segments. Its shares added 2%.