Financial stocks rose in Friday afternoon trading, with the NYSE Financial Index up 2.3% and the Financial Select Sector SPDR Fund (XLF) adding 2.1%.
The Philadelphia Housing Index was climbing 1.7%, and the Real Estate Select Sector SPDR Fund (XLRE) was 1.7% higher.
Bitcoin (BTC-USD) rose 5% to $84,262, and the yield for 10-year US Treasuries was up 2.5 basis points to 4.30%.
In economic news, the University of Michigan's preliminary consumer sentiment index slid to 57.9 in March from 64.7 in February, compared with expectations for a smaller fall to 63.0 in a survey compiled by Bloomberg.
In other news, gold prices climbed past $3,000 for the first time on Friday as trade tensions and expectations of further US rate cuts boosted the safe-haven asset's appeal.
In corporate news, KKR (KKR) and Stonepeak Partners' deadline for a firm offer to buy UK-based real estate investment trust Assura was extended to April 11, Assura said. KKR shares rose 3.8%.
Compass (COMP) is in talks to buy Berkshire Hathaway's (BRK.A) HomeServices of America real-estate brokerage business, The Wall Street Journal reported Thursday. Compass shares added 0.2%.
Citigroup (C) and Apollo Global Management (APO) are offering a private staple financing option for prospective buyers of Boeing's (BA) Jeppesen navigation unit, Bloomberg reported Thursday. Citi shares rose 1.8% and Apollo was up 2.6%.
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