Thursday hasn't been kind to everyone on Wall Street. While the broader S&P 500 is actually showing some backbone today, January 15, 2026, there’s a massive sinkhole in the healthcare and technology sectors. Honestly, if you’re holding certain pharma or medical device names, your brokerage app probably looks like a sea of red.
It’s weird. We’re seeing Taiwan Semiconductor (TSMC) post monster numbers, yet some of the biggest names in the "save the world" business are getting absolutely thrashed. The worst stocks of the day aren't just dipping; they’re cratering on specific, messy news that has nothing to do with the overall economy and everything to do with regulatory headaches and expensive acquisitions.
The Health Care Bloodbath: Eli Lilly and Boston Scientific
The heavy hitters are taking the biggest punches. Eli Lilly (LLY) is leading the downward spiral today. Usually, Lilly is the darling of the weight-loss drug craze, but shares tumbled about 5% after Reuters dropped a report that the FDA is dragging its feet. Apparently, the agency delayed a decision on their highly anticipated weight-loss pill. In this market, "wait" is basically a four-letter word that translates to "sell."
Then there’s Boston Scientific (BSX). They’re down nearly 4.5% or 5%, and the reason is classic Wall Street: a massive price tag. They agreed to buy Penumbra for a staggering $14.5 billion. Investors are looking at that number and collectively wincing. It’s a "buy high, cry later" situation where the market isn't convinced the synergy justifies the premium.
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Apellis and the Biotech Blues
If you want to talk about a real crash, look at Apellis Pharmaceuticals (APLS). This one is painful. They’ve lost nearly a quarter of their value in just a week, with today’s action hammering the point home. Why? They reported preliminary fourth-quarter revenues for Syfovre, and even though they marginally beat some estimates, the year-over-year growth is actually shrinking. Investors see a 60% market share but declining revenue and they start running for the exits.
Tech’s "Good News" Hangover
You’d think a record-breaking report from TSMC would lift all boats. It didn't.
Nvidia (NVDA) is actually lagging behind its peers today. While companies like Applied Materials (AMAT) are soaring 8% or 9% because everyone needs new chip-making gear, Nvidia is barely keeping its head above water compared to the sector average. There’s this feeling that the "Blackwell" and "Rubin" AI platform news is already baked into the price. Plus, we’re still dealing with the fallout of those Chinese trade restrictions.
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Chinese authorities basically told domestic firms to stop using U.S.-linked security software. That sent Fortinet (FTNT) sliding 2.5% today. It’s a reminder that geopolitics can wreck a balance sheet faster than a bad CEO ever could.
The Financial Sector’s Slow Leak
Banks aren't doing much better. JPMorgan Chase (JPM) and Bank of America (BAC) are continuing a multi-day slide. Even though they’ve been reporting decent earnings, the "Trump Effect" is looming large.
President Trump’s call for a 10% cap on credit card interest rates is a nightmare scenario for big banks. If that actually happens, billions in high-margin revenue just evaporates.
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- Wells Fargo (WFC) tumbled over 4% today.
- Revenue missed expectations despite an earnings beat.
- Regulatory "noise" is getting louder.
What to Do When the Market Dumps
Seeing your portfolio take a hit on a day like today is gut-wrenching. But honestly, you have to look at why these are the worst stocks of the day.
Is Eli Lilly a bad company? No. They’re just stuck in the FDA’s waiting room. Is Boston Scientific doomed? Probably not, but they might have overpaid for their new toy. The market is currently in a "show me" phase where it’s punishing any uncertainty or expensive debt.
Actionable Steps for Investors:
- Check the "Why": If a stock like AMCR (Amcor) looks like it dropped 80%, check for a reverse split. Today was their 1-for-5 split—you have fewer shares, but they're worth more. It’s a cosmetic change, not a bankruptcy.
- Watch the 7,000 Mark: The S&P 500 is struggling to hold above 7,000. If it fails, expect these "worst" performers to drag the rest of the market down with them.
- Trim the Fat: If you’re heavy on high-growth AI stocks that are "already understood" (like Nvidia), it might be time to rotate into the chip-equipment makers who are actually seeing the capital expenditure flow.
- Hedge the Banks: With the potential for credit card rate caps, financial stocks are risky right now. Keep an eye on the Senate Banking Committee—that’s where the real damage will be done.
The carnage in healthcare today is a loud reminder that even the most "recession-proof" sectors have a glass jaw when regulators get involved. Stay liquid, and don't catch falling knives unless you're sure the bleeding has stopped.