Stocks making the biggest moves midday: Eli Lilly, Alphabet, Hertz, UnitedHealth and more


 Stocks Making the Biggest Moves Midday: Eli Lilly, Alphabet, Hertz, UnitedHealth, and More​

As of midday on Thursday, April 17, 2025, U.S. stock markets exhibited mixed performance, with significant movements in several key stocks. The Dow Jones Industrial Average dropped nearly 400 points, primarily due to a sharp decline in UnitedHealth Group shares. Conversely, the S&P 500 and Nasdaq Composite showed modest gains.​

Eli Lilly (LLY) – Soaring on Weight-Loss Pill Success

Eli Lilly's stock surged by up to 17% following the announcement of successful phase-three trial results for its new weight-loss pill, orforglipron. This once-daily oral medication demonstrated effectiveness comparable to injectable alternatives like Novo Nordisk's Ozempic, leading to an average weight loss of 16 pounds (about 8% of body weight) and a reduction in A1C levels by 1.3% to 1.6%. The promising results have investors optimistic about the drug's potential market impact. ​

UnitedHealth Group (UNH) – Plunging on Forecast Cut

UnitedHealth Group's shares plummeted over 20% after the company revised its 2025 earnings forecast downward, citing an unexpected surge in care usage among Medicare Advantage enrollees in the first quarter. The increased utilization impacted only Medicare Advantage, not other insurance lines. This significant drop heavily influenced the Dow Jones Industrial Average, given UnitedHealth's substantial weight in the index. ​

Alphabet (GOOGL) – Steady Amid Market Fluctuations

Alphabet's stock remained relatively stable midday, reflecting resilience amid broader market fluctuations. Investors are closely monitoring the company's performance ahead of its upcoming earnings report, with expectations of continued strength in its advertising and cloud computing segments.​

Hertz (HTZ) – Gaining on EV Charging Partnership

Hertz shares rose by 4.42% after the company announced a partnership with BP’s electric vehicle charging unit to install thousands of charging stations at Hertz locations. This initiative aims to support Hertz’s growing fleet of electric vehicles and provide charging options for the public, signaling the company's commitment to sustainable transportation solutions. ​

Other Notable Movers

  • Nvidia (NVDA): Shares declined due to concerns over new export restrictions to China, affecting the semiconductor sector. ​

  • Netflix (NFLX): Stock experienced a modest rise ahead of its first-quarter earnings report, with analysts optimistic about its performance amid economic uncertainties. ​

  • Sweetgreen (SG): Shares soared by 28.6%, reflecting strong investor confidence following positive developments in the company's growth strategy. ​

Investors are advised to stay informed on these developments as market dynamics continue to evolve.

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