01:35 PM EST, 12/10/2024 (MT Newswires) -- Health care stocks were lower Tuesday afternoon, with the NYSE Health Care Index shedding 0.4% and the Health Care Select Sector SPDR Fund (XLV) down 0.3%.

The iShares Biotechnology ETF (IBB) decreased 0.3%.

In corporate news, Walgreens Boots Alliance ( WBA ) shares surged 21%. The company is in talks to be acquired by private equity firm Sycamore Partners, The Wall Street Journal reported, citing people familiar with the matter.