03:30 PM EDT, 10/17/2025 (MT Newswires) -- Health care stocks were higher late Friday afternoon, with the NYSE Health Care Index up 0.3% and the Health Care Select Sector SPDR Fund (XLV) adding 0.7%.

The iShares Biotechnology ETF (IBB) advanced 0.8%.

In corporate news, STAAR Surgical ( STAA ) investor Broadwood Partners urged the company's board members Friday to hold the shareholder vote on Alcon's (ALC) offer to acquire the company "without further delay or drama." STAAR Surgical ( STAA ) shares rose 3.1%.