01:33 PM EST, 11/08/2024 (MT Newswires) -- Health care stocks were higher Friday afternoon, with the NYSE Health Care Index rising 0.8% and the Health Care Select Sector SPDR Fund (XLV) adding 1%.

The iShares Biotechnology ETF (IBB) rose 0.3%.

In corporate news, Astrana Health ( ASTH ) said Friday it agreed to buy certain businesses and assets of Prospect Health System for $745 million in a bid to expand its care provider network. Astrana shares tumbled 18%.