GSK plc, based in Brentford, U.K., is a global healthcare company engaged in the discovery, development, manufacture, and marketing of pharmaceutical products. The company's leading products include treatments for asthma and COPD, treatments for HIV infection, and a range of vaccines. The company has active research and development programs in immuno-inflammation, neuroscience, metabolic pathways, ophthalmology, respiratory and infectious diseases, and biopharmaceuticals.

Biogen is an established biopharmaceutical company focused on treatments for neurodegenerative and rare diseases. Its declining multiple sclerosis franchise is its largest revenue generator and contributed 40% of total revenue in 2025. Biogen also generates significant revenue from its CD20 collaboration agreements with Roche (19% of total in 2025), which includes oncology drugs Rituxan and Gazyva and multiple sclerosis drug Ocrevus. Biogen's newer franchises include Spinraza (spinal muscular atrophy, with partner Ionis), Leqembi (Alzheimer's disease, collabroation revenue from its partner Eisai), Skyclarys (Friedreich's ataxia, Reata), Zurzuvae (postpartum depression, Sage), and Qalsody (amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, Ionis).

The major indices are mostly lower at midday. Alphabet disappointed on earnings last night and the stock is being punished -- contributing to the Nasdaq being down more than 1%. But the small-cap Russell 2000 is higher by 1%. Inflation data came in hotter than expected, but GDP for 3Q was stronger than expected. Crude oil is at $100 per barrel. The yield on the 10-year note is at 4.99%.

Baxter offers a variety of medical supplies and equipment to providers. From its legacy operations, Baxter sells injectable therapies for use in care settings, including IV pumps, administrative sets, and solutions; nutritional products; and surgical sealants and hemostatic agents. Baxter expanded its portfolio of hospital-focused offerings by acquiring Hillrom in late 2021, which added basic equipment like hospital beds, operating room equipment, and patient monitoring tools to the portfolio. Baxter also sold its kidney care tools in early 2025.