Healthcare stocks were slightly higher late Thursday afternoon, with the NYSE Healthcare Index increasing 0.3% and the State Street Health Care Select Sector SPDR ETF (XLV) up 0.1%.
The iShares Biotechnology ETF (IBB) eased 0.3%.
In corporate news, Haleon (HLN) has negotiated better shelf placement at Walmart (WMT) and Target (TGT), Reuters reported. The company said it has offered major retailers better prices and promotions, as well as exclusivity on new products, in exchange for more prominent shelf space. Haleon shares were down 1.2%.