-- Health care stocks edged higher Wednesday afternoon, with the NYSE Health Care Index increasing 0.1% and the State Street Health Care Select Sector SPDR ETF (XLV) adding 0.3%.
The iShares Biotechnology ETF (IBB) was up 0.1%.
In corporate news, Boston Scientific (BSX) shares jumped nearly 9% after its Q1 results exceeded Wall Street's estimates.
Japan is preparing to roll out a revised Indo-Pacific strategy that places supply chain resilience and economic security at its core, with Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi set to present the plan during a visit to Vietnam, Nikkei reported Thursday.The trip, which also includes Australia, will focus on strengthening regional cooperation, particularly with Southeast Asian economies. The updated framework reshapes the approach first introduced in 2016 to reflect intensifying rivalry over critical technologies and resources, according to the report.At the center of the plan are efforts to secure key materials such as rare earths, diversify energy sourcing, and reduce exposure to disruptions seen during recent global crises. Japan also aims to expand collaboration in areas such as artificial intelligence, semiconductors and quantum technology through greater public and private investment, the report said.Security ties will be reinforced through expanded use of defense assistance programs that supply equipment to partner countries, alongside development aid to deepen economic links, according to the report.(Market Chatter news is derived from conversations with market professionals globally. This information is believed to be from reliable sources but may include rumor and speculation. Accuracy is not guaranteed.)
Light & Wonder (ASX:LNW) said it has received notice of a class action filed by law firm Phi Finney McDonald in the Supreme Court of Victoria alleging misleading statements regarding its dragon train game, according to a Thursday Australian bourse filing.The claim is brought on behalf of shareholders who acquired chess depositary interests between May 22, 2023, and Sept. 24, 2024, per the filing.The company has stated that it intends to vigorously defend the proceedings, the filing added.Its shares fell 1% in recent Thursday trade.
West African Resources (ASX:WAF) said it produced 107,728 ounces of gold at an all-in sustaining cost (AISC) of $1,921 per ounce in the March quarter, compared with 50,033 ounces of gold produced in the prior-year quarter at an all-in sustaining cost of $1,262 per ounce, according to a Thursday Australian bourse filing.Gold sales in the first quarter came in at 104,145 ounces at a realized price of $4,945 per ounce, compared with 48,338 ounces of gold sold at an average price of $2,832 per ounce.Group production is tracking well to achieve its annual guidance of 430,000 ounces to 490,000 ounces of gold at an AISC under $1,900 per ounce.Its shares fell 1% in recent trading on Thursday.