Healthcare Stocks on the Rise: Seven Top Performers to Watch

Seven healthcare stocks have emerged as top performers in recent days, according to MarketBeat's stock screener tool. These companies include Moderna (MRNA), Eli Lilly and Company (LLY), Johnson & Johnson (JNJ), Merck & Co., Inc. (MRK), Veeva Systems (VEEV), UnitedHealth Group (UNH), and Abbott Laboratories (ABT).

These stocks are considered defensive investments because demand for healthcare tends to remain relatively steady, although they can be affected by regulation, drug approvals, research results, and changes in healthcare policy.

Moderna, a biotechnology company, has seen a 177% surge and is being watched closely by investors. The company discovers, develops, and commercializes messenger RNA therapeutics and vaccines for various diseases.