Health-care companies rose sharply amid optimism about the sector's growth prospects.

The U.S. reported more than 60,000 new coronavirus cases for the second day in a row, as the spread continues to accelerate in most states. In contrast to March and July outbreaks, the latest spike in infections is not concentrated in one or two regions of the U.S.

Data-mining company Palantir Technologies is helping the federal government set up a system that will track the manufacture, distribution and administration of Covid-19 vaccines. 


 Write to Rob Curran at rob.curran@dowjones.com

(END) Dow Jones Newswires

10-22-20 1659ET