GeoVax Labs Inc (GOVX) shares have surged over 225% in the past week, driven by heightened investor interest in mpox (monkeypox) related stocks. This surge follows the World Health Organization’s declaration of a public health emergency due to the mpox outbreak in Africa. GeoVax, a clinical-stage biotechnology company developing vaccines against infectious diseases, has previously published research suggesting its vaccines could help prevent mpox.
The World Health Organization’s declaration of a public health emergency for the mpox outbreak has sent shockwaves through the healthcare market, causing several stocks associated with the virus to experience significant price fluctuations. While some companies, like Emergent Biosolutions and Bavarian Nordic, saw gains due to their involvement in vaccine production, others like SIGA Technologies faced setbacks after their antiviral treatment failed to meet a key trial endpoint.
As of April 26, 2024, four stocks in the health care sector appear to be overbought according to the Relative Strength Index (RSI) indicator, which suggests they may be due for a pullback. These stocks are Fusion Pharmaceuticals Inc. (FUSN), AstraZeneca PLC (AZN), Boston Scientific Corporation (BSX), and Elevance Health, Inc. (ELV). Investors who rely on momentum as a trading strategy may want to consider taking profits or hedging their positions in these stocks.
Healthcare stocks struggled in 2023, but a late-year rally helped the sector end the year in positive territory. Despite lagging behind tech and growth stocks, healthcare is expected to continue growing at a faster rate than the overall economy due to an aging population and rising healthcare spending. The integration of AI, defensive nature, and steady cash flow make healthcare stocks attractive for investors. Healthcare ETFs, such as S&P 500 Select Sector SPDR for Healthcare (XLV), have also shown strong performance. Astute investors are advised to consider healthcare mutual funds for portfolio diversification, with three recommended options being Janus Henderson Global Life Science (JNGLX), Vanguard Health Care (VGHCX), and Fidelity Select Pharmaceuticals Portfolio (FPHAX). These funds have strong Zacks Mutual Fund Ranks and positive annualized returns.
