Stock Market Update

[BRIEFING.COM] The major averages continue to chart session highs at midday. 

The health care sector (+0.9%) is one of the better-performing S&P 500 sectors today, distancing itself from the defensive consumer staples (-0.6%) and utilities (-0.1%) sectors. Biotechnology names such as Bio-Techne (TECH 60.12, +2.59, +4.50%) and Moderna (MRNA 52.86, +2.18, +4.30%) are among the top performers, pushing the iShares Nasdaq Biotech ETF 2.2% higher.

On the earnings front, Johnson & Johnson (JNJ 240.48, +2.52, +1.06%) is trading with a relatively muted reaction following its 1Q26 report, despite edging past consensus estimates and modestly raising its full-year outlook, as solid operational execution was balanced by ongoing headwinds and investment pressures.

The company delivered Q1 sales of $24.1 billion (+6.4% operationally), with strength across both segments, while raising FY26 EPS guidance to $11.45--$11.65 (from $11.43-$11.63) and revenue to $100.3-$101.3 billion, signaling steady confidence in its growth trajectory.