Silicon Investor (SI) -- The First Internet Community

STOCKTALK

We've detected that you're using an ad content blocking browser plug-in or feature. Ads provide a critical source of revenue to the continued operation of Silicon Investor. We ask that you disable ad blocking while on Silicon Investor in the best interests of our community. If you are not using an ad blocker but are still receiving this message, make sure your browser's tracking protection is set to the 'standard' level.

Strategies & Market Trends : Rande Is . . . HOME -- Ignore unavailable to you. Want to Upgrade?

To: If only I'd held who wrote (15351)	11/19/1999 6:52:00 PM
From: HeatherN	Read Replies (1) \| Respond to of 57584

If by health care stocks you mean drug stocks, these do show some upside. The AHP/Warner Lambert/Pfizer triangle tussle shows how important it is for these companies to "fill the gaps" in their own companies. Pfizer needs R&D for their powerhouse marketing and sales force. AHP, having settled the Redux problem is now a more attractive suitor. AHP would like WL's R&D/biotech resources. Now, only Merck seems to have a complete package. I spoke with one of their VPs yesterday who reassured us that he was not aware of any merger talks "It's not our style". Anyway, drug stocks, despite recent improvements probably have some upside. If by health care you mean HMO, management, hospital, physician practice, I would stay away, away. Too many budget cuts, declining reimbursements and a heavy government hand in things. Not a good combo. Then there's what I think of as technohealth...Medtronic, Arthrocare etc. So far, insurance companies have been more willing to pay for devices rather than services. The physician and hospital reimbursement for a joint replacement has declined but the cost of the titanium joint has not. Just a few thoughts from an insider.... HeatherN

To: If only I'd held who wrote (15351)	11/19/1999 6:56:00 PM
From: Joe Lyddon	Respond to of 57584

BEV: Looks like it's breaking out... MOMO/OBV turning UP. (eom)

To: If only I'd held who wrote (15351)	11/19/1999 8:36:00 PM
From: DlphcOracl	Read Replies (1) \| Respond to of 57584

If only I'd held: I strongly disagree and would advise against holding healthcare stocks in year 2000. With a Presidential election, health-care politicking will be rampant and usually has the effect of depressing healthcare stocks. Each candidate will try to outdo each other in promising more free health care and more subsidized benefits. Remember how Hillary Clinton's grand medical scheme tanked the HMO's and pharmaceuticals 30-40%? Expect more of the same. I wouldn't touch these stocks.