US Healthcare Stocks Rise Amid Government Shutdown

Wall Street's major market averages closed mixed on Friday due to the US government shutdown, which entered its third day. Despite this, the Dow, S&P 500, and Nasdaq Composite advanced by 1.1%, 1.08%, and 1.32% respectively for the week. Pfizer, Novo Nordisk, and Johnson & Johnson were notable healthcare stocks in focus.

Wall Street's major market averages closed mixed on Friday, September 12, 2025, amidst the ongoing U.S. government shutdown. Despite the uncertainty, the Dow Jones Industrial Average, S&P 500, and Nasdaq Composite advanced by 1.1%, 1.08%, and 1.32% respectively for the week. The shutdown, now in its third day, has had a limited impact on the broader stock market, with investors focusing more on corporate earnings and broader economic trends Wall Street On Track to Open With Losses as US Government Shutdown Adds to Uncertainty^[1].

Pfizer, Novo Nordisk, and Johnson & Johnson were notable healthcare stocks in focus. Pfizer reported strong earnings, driven by its COVID-19 vaccine sales, while Novo Nordisk plans to launch a new obesity pill through telehealth platforms after U.S. approval, potentially by 2026. Johnson & Johnson's stock performance was mixed, reflecting the company's ongoing legal battles and regulatory challenges Key facts: Novo Nordisk A/S released its Quarterly Trading Report for Q3 2025, providing insights into the company's financial performance and market activities during the quarter.^[2].

In the broader market, lithium Americas jumped more than 32% overnight after the U.S. government confirmed speculation that it would take a 5% equity stake in the company. The deal includes an approximate $2.3 billion federal loan to allow the company to move forward on extracting the silver-white metal used in electric vehicle batteries from its massive mine in northern Nevada Wall Street On Track to Open With Losses as US Government Shutdown Adds to Uncertainty^[1].

Utility and power generator AES climbed 10% on media reports that the Virginia company was near a deal to be acquired by BlackRock subsidiary Global Infrastructure Partners Wall Street On Track to Open With Losses as US Government Shutdown Adds to Uncertainty^[1].

Political uncertainty is also looming over Japan's markets, with the ruling Liberal Democratic Party due to choose a new leader and prime minister later this week to replace embattled Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba. The Bank of Japan reported a slight improvement in business sentiment among major manufacturers, raising the odds that the central bank will increase its key interest rate to counter inflation that has topped its target range of about 2% for some time Wall Street On Track to Open With Losses as US Government Shutdown Adds to Uncertainty^[1].

In Europe, Germany's DAX gained 0.5%, the CAC 40 in Paris rose 0.4%, and Britain’s FTSE climbed 0.7% at midday. In Asia, Japan's Nikkei 225 index shed 0.9%, while South Korea's Kospi gained 0.9% and Taiwan's Taiex added 0.6% Wall Street On Track to Open With Losses as US Government Shutdown Adds to Uncertainty^[1].

The broader stock market has been on a nearly relentless run since hitting a low in April on expectations that President Donald Trump’s tariffs won’t derail global trade and that the Federal Reserve will cut interest rates several times to boost the slowing job market. The Fed just delivered its first cut of the year, and officials have penciled in more to give the job market a boost Wall Street On Track to Open With Losses as US Government Shutdown Adds to Uncertainty^[1].

When Wall Street will get the next data reports on the job market is uncertain, because the shutdown would delay the release of several important reports, including Friday’s September jobs report. The Department of Labor has said that the Bureau of Labor Statistics will completely cease operations if there’s a lapse Wall Street On Track to Open With Losses as US Government Shutdown Adds to Uncertainty^[1].