01:58 PM EST, 11/08/2024 (MT Newswires) -- Health care stocks were higher Friday afternoon, with the NYSE Health Care Index rising 0.9% and the Health Care Select Sector SPDR Fund (XLV) adding 1.1%.

The iShares Biotechnology ETF (IBB) rose 0.5%.

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 more than 18%.

Agilon Health ( AGL ) shares plunged 31% in recent trading, a day after reporting a wider Q3 net loss and missing market expectations.

QuidelOrtho ( QDEL ) shares jumped 13% in recent trading, a day after the company reported better-than-expected Q3 adjusted earnings and revenue.