Financial stocks were advancing pre-bell Monday, with the Financial Select Sector SPDR Fund (XLF) 0.3% higher.

The Direxion Daily Financial Bull 3X Shares (FAS) was up 0.7% and its bearish counterpart Direxion Daily Financial Bear 3X Shares (FAZ) was 0.8% lower.

Carlyle Group (CG) has acquired The Very Group, operator of digital retailers Very and Littlewoods, with international media group IMI continuing as a key stakeholder, The Very Group said. Shares of Carlyle Group were up nearly 3% premarket.