Morgan Stanley (NYSE:MS.) and other US banking titans were in focus after the bell after the results of the Fed's stress tests - a measure of their robustness, were revealed.
All 34 of the biggest firms were granted permission by the nation's central bank to buy back stock or pay dividend - significant in that it was the first time the Fed gave the green light to pay dividends to all the banks it scrutinised.
Citigroup (NYSE:C), JP Morgan and Citigroup all ticked up over 2% after hours. Wells Fargo (NYSE:WFC) also gained ground in extended trading, along with Goldman Sachs.
Meanwhile, shares in stationery giant Staples (NYSE:SPLS) added over 1.5% before being halted during after it agreed to be acquired by private-equity firm Sycamore Partners for $10.25 a share.
Elsewhere, in erarnings Pier 1 Imports (NYSE:PIR) sunk over 12% after the home retailer posted first quarter results, which disappointed.
Shares of Capital One Financial (NYSE:COF) shed 2% however, after it received "conditional" passing marks on the stress test.