MERCK, LILLY, MARION LEAD DRUG STOCKS TO BIGGEST GAIN IN NEARLY TWO YEARS

Executive Summary

MERCK, LILLY, MARION LEAD DRUG STOCKS TO BIGGEST GAIN IN NEARLY TWO YEARS Merck (up 6 to 88-1/2), Lilly (up 4-1/2 to 59), and Marion (up 4-3/8 to 39-1/2) led rebounding Pharmaceutical stocks on the "F-D-C" Index to the group's biggest single week gain in almost two years. Overall, 52 of 53 stocks listed on the index advanced -- Cooper fell 7/8 to 21-7/8 -- as the Composite posted its largest single week jump since the August 1982 rally, climbing 7.4% compared with the Dow's 7.8% leap. Other drug stocks leading the charge were SmithKline Beckman (up 4-1/4 to 58-7/8), Abbott (up 2-7/8 to 46-1/4), and Squibb (up 2-7/8 to 47-7/8). Novo (up 6 to 46-3/8) and Pfizer (up 3-1/4 to 35-1/2) were among the Diversified leaders, while Walgreens (up 5-5/8 to 40-1/2) was top for the Chains. Chart omitted.