Sector Update: Financial

01:09 PM EDT, 09/18/2026 (MT Newswires) -- Financial stocks were lower in Friday afternoon trading, with the NYSE Financial Index decreasing 0.6% and the State Street Financial Select Sector SPDR ETF (XLF) fractionally higher. The Philadelphia Housing Index was falling 1.2%, and the State Street Real Estate Select Sector SPDR ETF (XLRE) was down 0.5%. Bitcoin (BTC-USD) was rising nearly 6% to $80,904, and the yield for 10-year US Treasuries was rising 4.9 basis points to 4.996%. In corporate news, Berkshire Hathaway (BRK.A, BR.B) said Friday that Warren Buffett stepped down as chairman of the conglomerate, with his son Howard Buffett succeeding the 96-year-old billionaire. Warren Buffett will become chairman emeritus and remain a member of its board, according to the company. He has held the role of chairman since 1970, according to various media outlets. Berkshire Hathaway Class A shares and Class B shares were fractionally higher.