Financial stocks were higher late in afternoon trading, with the NYSE Financial Index rising 1.1% while the SPDR Financial Select Sector ETF (XLF) was ahead 0.4%. The Philadelphia Housing Index was climbing 4.1% and the SPDR Real Estate Select Sector ETF (XLRE) was climbing 1.8%. In company news, CBL & Associates Properties (CBL) rose 7.2% after the real estate investment trust late Thursday said it has reinstated its quarterly dividend beginning with a Q2 distribution of $0.25 per share payable July 20 to investors of record on July 11.