Health Care Monthly Monitor
Insights, Innovation and Impact
This timely update provides insights into health care sector stock performance and social impact themes related to U.N. Sustainable Development Goal 3 (Good Health and Well-Being).
Monthly Highlights
U.S. stocks produced strong returns again in April, reaching record highs repeatedly during the month. This reflected a continuation of many prevailing trends in 2021, including continued progress on vaccine rollouts, signs of a strong economic rebound, ongoing fiscal and monetary support for the economy and historically strong corporate earnings.
Our Health Care Impact Themes
New or Innovative Treatments for Diseases Including Cancer
Access to Medicines and Health Care Services
New Solutions for Lowering Health Care Costs
Enhancing the Productivity of Medical Equipment, Services and Software
COVID Vaccine Progress and Challenges
As of April 30, more than 150 million people have been afflicted with COVID worldwide. In North America and Europe, the number of new cases has fallen likely thanks to vaccine rollouts. But many Asian countries, led by India, are experiencing a surge in new cases.1
1 “Covid map: Coronavirus cases, deaths, vaccinations by country,” BBC News, May 4, 2021.
Company in Focus
Stryker is an innovative medical device manufacturer gaining market share in orthopedic procedures with its MAKO robotics platform.
-
Investment return and principal value of security investments will fluctuate. The value at the time of redemption may be more or less than the original cost. Past performance is no guarantee of future results.
-
The opinions expressed are those of American Century Investments (or the portfolio manager) and are no guarantee of the future performance of any American Century Investments' portfolio. This material has been prepared for educational purposes only. It is not intended to provide, and should not be relied upon for, investment, accounting, legal or tax advice.
-
References to specific securities are for illustrative purposes only, and are not intended as recommendations to purchase or sell securities. Opinions and estimates offered constitute our judgment and, along with other portfolio data, are subject to change without notice.