Financial stocks were advancing in Wednesday afternoon trading, with the NYSE Financial Index adding 1.1% and the Financial Select Sector SPDR Fund (XLF) rising 1%.

The Philadelphia Housing Index was climbing 1.3%, and the Real Estate Select Sector SPDR Fund (XLRE) was up 0.7%.

Bitcoin (BTC-USD) was increasing 2.7% to $90,050, and the yield for 10-year US Treasuries was slightly higher at 4.0%.

In economic news, the September durable goods report from the Census Bureau showed a 0.5% increase in new orders, in line with expectations but below the 3% jump in August, amid weakness in the civilian aircraft segment.

The Institute for Supply Management's Chicago PMI reading fell to 36.3 in November from 43.8 in October, compared with the 43.6 expected in a survey compiled by Bloomberg.

Initial jobless claims fell to 216,000 in the week ended Nov. 22 from 222,000 a week earlier, compared with estimates compiled by Bloomberg for an increase to 225,000.

In corporate news, Miami International (MIAX) signed an agreement to sell 90% of equity in its unit, MIAX Derivatives Exchange, to Robinhood (HOOD) in a partnership with Susquehanna International. Robinhood shares jumped past 10%.

Citigroup (C) has been selected by Saudi Aramco to assist with a potential multibillion-dollar interest sale in its oil export and storage terminals business, Bloomberg reported. Citi shares rose 1.6%.

Blackstone (BX) is in advanced talks to acquire MacLean Power Systems for more than $4 billion, Bloomberg reported. Blackstone shares added 1.6%.