08:57 AM EDT, 08/20/2025 (MT Newswires) -- Health care stocks were mixed pre-bell Wednesday, with the Health Care Select Sector SPDR Fund (XLV) up 0.1% and the iShares Biotechnology ETF (IBB) 0.3% lower.

Novo Nordisk ( NVO ) has introduced a global hiring freeze, multiple media outlets reported, citing a company spokesperson. Shares of Novo Nordisk ( NVO ) were 1% lower premarket.