On June 26, 2026, healthcare stocks outperformed the broader market, with Eli Lilly (LLY), Johnson & Johnson (JNJ), and AbbVie (ABBV) reaching new 52-week highs. The S&P 500 healthcare sector gained approximately 3% this year, indicating a shift towards defensive sectors among investors. The Health Care Select Sector SPDR ETF (XLV) also climbed about 3% year-to-date. Other notable companies, including Moderna (MRNA) and Merck (MRK), also approached historical highs amid increased activity in healthcare mergers and acquisitions.

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Lilly, J&J and AbbVie Hit New Highs

Moz Farooque ACCA

Fri, June 26, 2026 at 11:49 AM MDT1 min read

This article first appeared on GuruFocus.

Healthcare stocks outperformed the broader market on Friday, with Eli Lilly ( NYSE:LLY), Johnson & Johnson ( NYSE:JNJ) and AbbVie ( NYSE:ABBV) among the major names hitting fresh 52-week highs.

The sector has quietly become one of the market's stronger performers in recent weeks. Healthcare stocks in the S&P 500 have gained roughly 3% this year, outperforming the broader index in recent trading as investors rotate toward defensive sectors. The Health Care Select Sector SPDR ETF ( XLV) has also climbed about 3% year to date.

Big Pharma names including Lilly, J&J, AbbVie and Merck ( NYSE:MRK) have all approached or reached new highs. The VanEck Pharmaceutical ETF ( NASDAQ:PPH) extended its winning streak after reports that the Trump administration had narrowed its shortlist for the next FDA commissioner.

Biotech stocks also participated in the rally. Moderna ( NASDAQ:MRNA), Biogen ( NASDAQ:BIIB) and Incyte ( NASDAQ:INCY) reached 52-week highs as the SPDR Biotech ETF ( XBI) posted a seventh straight session of gains amid renewed healthcare M&A activity.