-- Health care stocks declined Tuesday afternoon, with the NYSE Health Care Index down 1.1% and the State Street Health Care Select Sector SPDR ETF (XLV) shedding 0.7%.
The iShares Biotechnology ETF (IBB) decreased 0.7%.
In corporate news, Merck (MRK) and Japanese health care company Eisai said Tuesday that phase 3 trials of two drug combinations failed to meet primary endpoints of progression-free survival and overall survival as a first-line treatment of patients with advanced clear cell renal cell carcinoma compared with Keytruda plus Lenvima. Merck shares fell 3.9%.
UnitedHealth Group (UNH) raised its full-year earnings outlook on Tuesday as the health insurance giant recorded an unexpected annual increase in its first-quarter results. Its shares jumped past 8%.
Quest Diagnostics (DGX) shares popped 4% after it reported higher Q1 adjusted earnings and net revenue and raised its 2026 outlook.