<div id="readability-page-1">02:00 PM EST, 11/21/2025 (MT Newswires) -- Financial stocks were advancing in Friday afternoon trading, with the NYSE Financial Index rising 1.4% and the Financial Select Sector SPDR Fund (XLF) adding 1.1%.The Philadelphia Housing Index was climbing 4.1%, and the Real Estate Select Sector SPDR Fund (XLRE) was up 1.3%.Bitcoin (BTC-USD) was falling 1.9% to $84,637, and the yield for 10-year US Treasuries was decreasing 3.1 basis points to 4.07%.In economic news, New York Fed President John Williams' dovish tilt on the December monetary policy meeting almost doubled the odds of an interest-rate cut. Williams said Friday he sees room for &#34;further adjustment&#34; to rates in the near term.The likelihood of a 25-basis-point cut in interest rates in December jumped to about 72% on Friday, up from 39% the previous day, according to the CME FedWatch Tool.Separately, the November flash reading of manufacturing conditions from S&amp;P Global fell to a four-month low of 51.9 from 52.5 in October, compared with an expected increase to 52.0 in a survey compiled by Bloomberg.The University of Michigan consumer sentiment index was revised higher to 51.0 for November from 50.3 in the preliminary estimate, versus the 50.6 outlook in a survey compiled by Bloomberg.In corporate news, HSBC's ( HSBC ) Swiss private bank is raising the pay of some of its bankers in a bid to ward off staff exits, Bloomberg reported. HSBC ( HSBC ) shares were up 2%.Blackstone-managed (BX) funds have sold a majority stake in Desotec, a provider of air, soil and water filtration systems and services, to EQT, the companies said. Blackstone shares rose 2.8%.United Bankshares ( UBSI ) shares jumped 5% after it said in a Friday filing that its board has approved a plan to buy back up to 5 million shares. MT Newswires does not provide investment advice. Unauthorized reproduction is strictly prohibited.</div>

UBSI

Financial stocks rose Friday afternoon, with NYSE Financial Index up 1.4% and XLF up 1.1%. Bitcoin fell 1.9% to $84,637. NY Fed President John Williams hinted at a possible interest rate cut, increasing odds to 72%. HSBC raised banker pay to prevent exits, boosting shares by 2%. Blackstone sold Desotec stake to EQT, shares up 2.8%. United Bankshares approved a 5 million share buyback, shares jumped 5%.

Sector Update: Financial Stocks Higher Friday Afternoon