Financial stocks were decreasing in Tuesday afternoon trading, with the NYSE Financial Index down 0.2% and the Financial Select Sector SPDR Fund (XLF) marginally lower.

The Philadelphia Housing Index was falling 2%, and the Real Estate Select Sector SPDR Fund (XLRE) was adding 0.1%.

Bitcoin (BTC-USD) was easing 3.4% to $92,605, and the yield for 10-year US Treasuries was rising 3.2 basis points to 4.31%.

In economic news, US new-home sales slowed to a 610,000 annual rate in October from an unrevised 738,000 pace in September, lower than the 725,000 rate expected in a survey compiled by Bloomberg.

The Conference Board's measure of consumer confidence increased to 111.7 in November from 109.6 in October, below a reading of 111.8 expected in a survey compiled by Bloomberg.

In corporate news, Citigroup (C) is reducing the number of year-end staff promotions as part of a long-term turnaround to rein in costs, the Financial Times reported. Citi shares were shedding 1.6%.

UBS (UBS) is on track to fully acquire UBS Securities after its joint venture partner Beijing State-owned Asset Management decided to sell its 33% stake in the Beijing-based securities brokerage, Reuters reported. UBS shares were down 2.5%.

Wells Fargo (WFC) is in the final stages of passing regulatory hurdles in order to lift a $1.95 trillion asset cap next year, Reuters reported. Its shares added 1.3%.