Healthcare stocks were higher Thursday afternoon, with the NYSE Healthcare Index rising 0.9% and the State Street Health Care Select Sector SPDR ETF (XLV) adding 0.9%.
The iShares Biotechnology ETF (IBB) climbed 1%.
In corporate news, Westin Acquisition (WSTN) has agreed to combine with First Choice Healthcare Solutions in a deal that will take the healthcare services company public, First Choice Healthcare said Thursday. The planned deal implies a pre-money equity value of about $650 million for First Choice Healthcare and is expected to accelerate the company's rebrand to Wellgevity 360, according to a statement. Westin Acquisition shares rose 0.2%.