Despite an early 2024 rally, healthcare shares continue to lag the broad market. Over the past 12 months, the S&P 500 Index climbed 22.1%; health stocks, a modest 13.5%. Enthusiasm about artificial intelligence (AI) stocks sapped investor attention from defensive sectors, including health.
Healthcare remains an attractive sector, although it doesn't move as one block. On the plus side, an ongoing post-COVID ramp-up in patients getting surgery and treatment is boosting health-facility stocks.
