In a strategic move to address the impending patent expiration of its blockbuster cancer drug Keytruda, Merck & Co. has announced the acquisition of Cidara Therapeutics Inc. for approximately $9.2 billion. The pharmaceutical giant will pay $221.50 per share in cash—more than double Cidara’s Thursday closing price—through a tender offer, signaling a significant investment in diversifying its therapeutic pipeline beyond oncology.
about Merck Acquires Cidara Therapeutics for $9.2 Billion
Merck
Pharma Investment Surge: Policy Clarity & Innovation Drive Growth
Pharmaceutical companies are experiencing renewed investor interest driven by strong drug pipelines and reduced regulatory risks. The sector benefits from aging global populations and clearer U.S. drug pricing policies that enhance long-term outlook. Leading innovators like Eli Lilly and Merck are at the forefront of this resurgence, with targeted investment vehicles like the PPH ETF providing access to these top performers.
about Pharma Investment Surge: Policy Clarity & Innovation Drive Growth5 Top Dividend Stocks: Sustainable Yields in S&P 500
Income investors seeking reliable returns should look beyond high-yield traps to sustainable dividend growers. These five blue-chip stocks across different sectors offer both attractive yields and strong payout sustainability. Each company maintains low payout ratios while delivering consistent dividend growth through various market conditions.
about 5 Top Dividend Stocks: Sustainable Yields in S&P 5003 Income ETFs to Offset Social Security Shortfalls
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about 3 Income ETFs to Offset Social Security ShortfallsSCHD ETF Sentiment Turns Negative as Investors Sour
The Schwab US Dividend Equity ETF (SCHD), once a darling of income investors managing $72 billion in assets, is facing growing criticism from its shareholder base. October has marked a significant shift in sentiment as investors question the fund’s recent performance, with social media platforms revealing mounting frustration over the ETF’s stagnant returns compared to broader market indices like the Nasdaq’s 19% year-to-date gain.
about SCHD ETF Sentiment Turns Negative as Investors SourPfizer Avoids Tariffs, Cuts Drug Prices in Trump Deal
In a landmark move that sent shockwaves through global pharmaceutical markets, Pfizer has secured a crucial agreement with the Trump administration to avoid tariffs by committing to lower drug prices for American consumers. The deal, which includes a massive $70 billion domestic investment pledge, represents a significant victory for the pharmaceutical giant and sets a new precedent for industry pricing strategies. With competitors Eli Lilly and Merck expected to follow suit, this development signals a fundamental shift in how pharmaceutical companies navigate trade policy while addressing public pressure over medication costs.
about Pfizer Avoids Tariffs, Cuts Drug Prices in Trump DealCopper Surges on Trump Tariffs, Merck Buys Verona for $10B
Copper prices surged after former President Trump announced 50% tariffs, though market participants await further details on affected goods. In a major pharma deal, Merck agreed to acquire Verona Pharma for approximately $10B, likely driven by the impending patent expiration of Merck’s top-selling cancer drug. Separately, Linda Yaccarino announced her departure as CEO of X (formerly Twitter) after two years. Genco CEO Wobensmith joined Bloomberg Open Interest to discuss how tariffs could reshape global trade dynamics.
about Copper Surges on Trump Tariffs, Merck Buys Verona for $10B