U.S. stocks fell on Friday, with the S&P 500 dropping 1.3%, marking its worst day since before the presidential election. The Dow Jones Industrial Average lost 305 points (0.7%), and the Nasdaq composite slid 2.2%.
The market’s decline was partly driven by concerns over vaccine manufacturers after President-elect Donald Trump suggested Robert F. Kennedy Jr., an anti-vaccine activist, for the role of Health and Human Services Secretary. Moderna and Pfizer saw significant losses, with shares falling 7.3% and 4.7%, respectively.
Analysts expressed concerns that Kennedy’s appointment, if confirmed, could create uncertainty and disrupt traditional Republican health policy.