UnitedHealth (UNH) stock closes up 1.9% to start 2026 as earnings loom
UnitedHealth shares rose 1.9% to $336.40 Friday, trading between $327.50 and $340.21 ahead of its Jan. 27 earnings and 2026 guidance release. The Dow gained 0.66% and the S&P 500 added 0.19% in the first session of 2026. Humana led managed-care peers higher, up 3.3%. UnitedHealth’s Optum Rx unit will cut repeat prior authorizations for 40 more drugs starting Jan. 1.