Merck is a worldwide pharmaceutical company. Its major drugs include treatments in oncology and diabetes. The company also has a leading vaccine business and an Animal Health division. MRK shares are included in the S&P 500.

Stocks had another good day on Tuesday, with the S&P 500 (SPX), S&P 100 (OEX), Nasdaq, and Nasdaq 100 (QQQ) all rising about 0.6%. The major indices are putting together a very good streak. Over the past six days, the SPX has popped 7.8%, the best move since March 2022 (which turned out to be a bear-market rally); November 2020; and March and April 2020 (coming out of the pandemic). Prior to 2020, we have not seen that much strength over a six-day period since 2011. The Nasdaq and the QQQ have jumped 10% in six days, but this is much more common with these more-volatile indices. The major indices are quickly approaching some key pieces of resistance, so it wouldn't be surprising if stocks cooled off a bit in the not-too-distant future. The sharply declining 50-day average for the SPX will be near 5,600 in a couple of days, while a 61.8% retracement of the correction lies at 5,646. The flat 200-day is up at 5,746 and overhead supply starts at 5,700 and runs back up to the old highs above 6,100. Both the Nasdaq and the QQQ have almost reached their 50-day averages, with a 61.8% retracement for the Nasdaq coming in at 18,070 and a 61.8% take back for the QQQ at 487. The 200-day for the Nasdaq is at 18,300 and for the QQQ it is at 490. While we have seen multiple breadth thrusts, which generally bode well for the intermediate/long-term, many breadth measures remain depressed and will need to improve in the months ahead. Only 37% of the stocks in the S&P 500 are above their 200-day; for the OEX, the reading is 47%; and for the QQQ it is 43%.

Merck makes pharmaceutical products to treat several conditions in a number of therapeutic areas, including cardiometabolic disease, cancer, and infections. Within cancer, the firm's immuno-oncology platform is growing as a major contributor to overall sales. The company also has a substantial vaccine business, with treatments to prevent pediatric diseases as well as human papillomavirus, or HPV. Additionally, Merck sells animal health-related drugs. From a geographical perspective, just under half of the company's sales are generated in the United States.

Merck makes pharmaceutical products to treat several conditions in a number of therapeutic areas, including cardiometabolic disease, cancer, and infections. Within cancer, the firm's immuno-oncology platform is growing as a major contributor to overall sales. The company also has a substantial vaccine business, with treatments to prevent pediatric diseases as well as human papillomavirus, or HPV. Additionally, Merck sells animal health-related drugs. From a geographical perspective, just under half of the company's sales are generated in the United States.