Financial stocks were edging higher pre-bell Thursday, with the Financial Select Sector SPDR Fund (XLF) slightly advancing.
The Direxion Daily Financial Bull 3X Shares (FAS) was up 0.2% and its bearish counterpart Direxion Daily Financial Bear 3X Shares (FAZ) was marginally lower.
Brighthouse Financial (BHF) has agreed to be acquired by an Aquarian Capital affiliate for $70 per share in an all-cash deal valued at about $4.10 billion, the companies said. Brighthouse Financial shares were up more than 25% premarket.