Healthcare stocks outperform broader market since October

GLP-1 drugs' potential propelled healthcare stocks trading.

Hang Seng Hong Kong-listed Biotech Index reported 10.1% growth since October following growing attraction in GLP-1 drugs, which treat diabetes and obesity.

Healthcare stocks have outperformed other industries and the broader market since October, driven by the potential of GLP-1 drugs for treating diabetes and obesity.

A Lancet study forecast that by 2030, the prevalence of overweight and obesity in China could reach 65.3% in adults, leading to significant medical costs.

HSHKBIO, representing the 50 largest Hong Kong-listed biotech companies, reported a cumulative gain of over 10% since October, outperforming the broader market by 13 percentage points. The index's top subsector is biotechnology, comprising 44% of its weighting, while pharmaceuticals account for 40%.