Health-care companies rose, but not by as much as the broad market, amid mixed earnings.
Merck shares slipped after the drug giant posted second-quarter profit that lagged the Wall Street target.
President Biden called for state and local governments to make $100 payments to every newly vaccinated American as authorities race to stem the newest wave of Covid-19 cases.
The effectiveness of Pfizer's Covid shot can drop to 84% within four to six months after getting the second dose of its vaccine, according to new data, a sign that booster shots may be necessary for vaccinated people.
In Israel, rising cases of the Delta variant have persuaded the government to authorize a booster shot for people over 60 years old.
Annovis Bio shares plunged after the drug developer presented Alzheimer's disease drug data at a conference Wednesday night.
Write to Rob Curran at rob.curran@dowjones.com
(END) Dow Jones Newswires
07-29-21 1654ET
