Healthcare stocks hold up as defensive bid lingers; Pfizer, Merck earnings set the tone
The Health Care Select Sector SPDR Fund (XLV) rose 0.6% to $154.74 Friday, while the S&P 500 fell 0.43%. Healthcare and consumer staples were the only S&P sectors in positive territory as investors shifted to defensive stocks. Major managed-care shares lagged after a minimal proposed Medicare Advantage rate hike. Pfizer, Merck, and Eli Lilly report earnings next week.