The Financial sector (XLF) held steady on a trading day that saw S&P 500 drop 1.1%.

The ETF, as a proxy for the sector, tracked closer to the overall market today than over the past week. Entering today's trading, XLF was down 4.5% over the last seven trading days while the S&P 500 climbed -2.2%.

First Capital Bancorp (FCVA) was a significant gainer in the sector, rising 15.4%. The stock closed at $2.40 with 18,800 shares moving. The stock traded in a range of $2.10 to $2.42.

Tower Group (TWGP) was a major loser in the sector, falling 6.5% (-$1.40) to close at $20.15 with 434,408 shares moving. The stock traded between $20.13 and $20.81.

National Interstate Corporation (NATL) rose 1.4% to close at $24.44, cross its 50-day moving average of $24.22 and 200-day moving average of $24.43. National Western Life Insurance Company (NWLI) declined 1.4% to close at $136.50, moving below its 50-day moving average of $136.76 and 200-day moving average of $139.21.

Aetna (AET) rose 0.7% to close at $41.53, approaching its 50-day moving average of $46.12. It has also moved closer to its 200-day moving average of $44.10.

NASB Financial (NASB) hit a new 52-week high today, reaching $19 to top the previous high of $18.95.