KUALA LUMPUR, Dec 5 (Bernama) -- Bursa Malaysia closed lower on Friday amid mixed regional market performance as investors turned cautious over a possible rate hike by the Bank of Japan (BOJ) and upcoming US economic data that may influence the Federal Reserve’s (Fed) interest rate decision next week. At 5 pm, the FTSE Bursa Malaysia KLCI (FBM KLCI) pared most earlier losses to settle 4.55 points easier, or 0.28 per cent, to 1,616.52 from Thursday’s close of 1,621.07. The benchmark index, which opened 0.37 of-a-point lower at 1,620.70, moved between 1,609.67 and 1,621.25 throughout the day. The broader market was negative, with decliners outpacing advancers 604 to 439. A total of 550 counters were unchanged, 1,151 untraded, and 18 suspended. Turnover declined to 3.17 billion units worth RM2.24 billion from 4.48 billion units worth RM2.75 billion yesterday. Rakuten Trade Sdn Bhd vice-presiden...
The healthcare sector heads into one of its busiest earnings weeks in a deep slump. The S&P 500 Health Care Sector Index is down 9% in the past year, while managed-care stocks have plunged 50%. Drugmakers and biotech have also struggled, trailing the broader S&P 500’s 17% gain.
Who Reports This Week?
Tuesday: UnitedHealth (UNH), Merck (MRK)
Wednesday: Humana (HUM), AbbVie (ABBV)
Thursday: Bristol-Myers Squibb (BMY), CVS Health (CVS)
Friday: Moderna (MRNA)
Next Week: Eli Lilly, Novo Nordisk, Pfizer
4 Big Questions Investors Are Asking:
1️⃣ Can UnitedHealth Recover Under New Leadership?
CEO Andrew Witty stepped down; Stephen Helmsley returns to lead.
The company pulled its full-year guidance after a 27% stock plunge in April tied to Medicare Advantage woes.
Analysts expect new guidance between $18–$19 EPS, far below last year’s $27.66.
2️⃣ Will Pharma Weather Tariff Risks?
Trump signaled pharma-specific tariffs on top of the 15% EU import levy.
Drug companies stockpiled supplies, but executives will face questions on long-term impact.
3️⃣ Can CVS Extend Its Comeback?
Stock is up 35% YTD despite a June pullback from earlier 50%+ gains.
New management is navigating challenges in Medicare Advantage and its retail pharmacy business. Investors want proof the recovery is sustainable.
4️⃣ Will Pharma Solve the Patent Cliff?
Merck’s Keytruda loses exclusivity in 2028; Bristol faces expirations for Eliquis and Opdivo; Pfizer has multiple drugs expiring soon.
Merck’s recent $10B biotech acquisition is part of the strategy to fill the gap. Investors will judge whether these moves can offset looming revenue losses.
Bottom Line:
This week’s results and guidance will set the tone for the healthcare sector. For a market segment battered by managed-care blowups, patent concerns, and looming tariffs, the stakes couldn’t be higher.
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