October 21 Update 9:45a EDT
NASDAQ up 0.4%
IBB up 1.57%
1:45p EDT Biotech Thrashing Continues-High Fliers Hit Hardest
Healthcare stocks remain under attack with the XLV down 1.5% and the IBB down 1.6%.Healthcare is the sector loser down 2% while the Industrials are up slightly. Large cap Biogen (BIIB) is still up 2.5% after a huge move at the open. Amgen (AMGN) is down 1.37% and Gilead Sciences is down 0.34% . One big winner among the former high fliers is Puma Biotechnology (PBYI) up 4.3%. The market continues to move away from high risk momentum players to vale oriented large caps. Within day volatility is huge.
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After a nasty day Tuesday biotech stocks firmed up led by Biogen, Inc. (BIIB) up over 9% to $288 in early trading; earnings beat with raised guidance. Third quarter revenues were up by 11% to $2.8B. Full year earnings are expected to be in the range of $16.20-$16.50/share.Pipeline programs were cut along with a 11% reduction in workforce. Enrollment begins in Phase 3 Aducanumab program for Alzheimer’s Disease.
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Biotech Stocks Holding Levels From Last Week’s Rally
Biotech stocks outperformed the market today and NASDAQ rallied late in the day to beat other indices. Earning season is approaching with Biogen, Inc. (BIIB) on Wednesday and other large caps next week. Look for large cap stocks to hold after reporting as most are down YTD. Rayno large cap leaders YTD are Gilead Sciences (GILD) and Regeneron (REGN). A few analysts have downgraded the healthcare sector for 2016 so watch technical levels of XLV. Odds favor a Q4 rally in biotech after the big August/ September correction.
Rayno mid-cap movers today were ALKS, CLVS and VRTX. The new cancer immunotherapy ETF (CNCR) was up 0.82%.
Other mid-cap movers today were: INCY up 2.7%, KITE up 4% and XON up 2%.
IBB 315.94 up 0.55%, 4.15% YTD
XBI 66.56 up 0.77%, 7.1% YTD
XLV 70 up 0.36%, 2.38% YTD
We are attending the Bio Investor Forum next week in San Francisco.