Merck is trading 3.2% up at $127.62 as a rally in healthcare stocks, sparked by strong UnitedHealth results, lifts the broader sector.
- The XLV healthcare sector ETF rose 2.12%, driven by UnitedHealth's robust earnings report and raised full-year guidance.
- While no company-specific news was released for Merck, the stock is benefiting from positive sentiment and momentum across the healthcare group.