Health

As reported moments ago, Q1 GDP which came at just 0.5% growth, was a lousy number in which virtually every component besides personal spending (and government) subtracted from growth. In fact, in nominal terms, Q1 GDP grew only $22.2 billion annualized, of which personal consumption was more than double, or $52.5 billion.

But what did Americans spend money on in Q1? To our surprise, Healthcare, Obamacare was no longer what soaked up most Americans' cash in the first quarter (nonetheless, it was a runner up with $10.8 billion in spending).

The great megadeal M&A drought of 2016 just came to an end when moments ago Abbott announced it would acquire St. Jude Medical for $25 billion, roughly a 37% premium to St. Jude's Wednesday closing price. According to the press release, under the agreement, St. Jude Medical shareholders will receive $46.75 in cash and 0.8708 shares of Abbott common stock, representing total consideration of approximately $85 per share. At an Abbott stock price of $43.93(2), this represents a total transaction equity value of $25 billion.

Forget DOE data, it's time to buy ahead of The Fed!!

We suspect this won't last as the algos are struggling to catch the high stops.

2016 has been a tempestuous year for Serepta shareholders. From over $40 to just $10 and then the miracle ramp from february back to $25 before the writing on the wall ahead of last night's FDA decision and now - following yesterday's monstrous short-squeeze (36% surge), a 50% collapse to $8 - a 4 year low for yet another Biotech darling of old. This morning's collapse comes after the FDA voted that SRPT's muscular dystrophy drug was not effective...

As Bloomberg reports,

A junior doctor announced his intention to quit the NHS over unfair working conditions and pay on live TV ahead of an all-out strike. Dr Ben White stands with a multitude of disenfranchised doctors who started their working careers with the intention of helping the needy until they found out the National Health Service had turned into a for-profit organisation.