Healthcare stocks were higher late Tuesday afternoon, with the NYSE Healthcare Index rising 2.3% and the State Street Health Care Select Sector SPDR ETF (XLV) adding 2.4%.
The iShares Biotechnology ETF (IBB) was up 0.8%.
In corporate news, Iqvia (IQV) shares surged 13% after it reported a year-over-year increase in Q2 adjusted earnings and revenue. The company also raised its 2026 outlook.
GSK (GSK) shares advanced 3.3% after it posted higher Q2 core earnings and sales that also beat analysts' estimates. Separately, GSK licensor Hansoh's phase 3 trial of risvutatug rezetecan to treat osteosarcoma, the most common primary bone cancer, achieved its primary endpoint in progression-free survival, GSK said Tuesday.
Seer (SEER) shareholders Bradley Radoff and Michael Torok said Tuesday they have submitted their fourth non-binding proposal to buy the company, raising their offer to $2.55 per share in cash. Seer shares jumped past 9%.
Zimmer Biomet (ZBH) shares climbed 3.7% after UBS upgraded the stock to buy from sell, and raised the price target to $115 from $89.