Merck Posts A Solid Q1 2026... And The Stock Falls... What Gives?

Here is that very solid quarter -- beats at the top-, and bottom- lines. But it is trading down a fraction on the NYSE.

What gives, indeed?

Meanwhile, Riot Platforms, a hapless Bitcoin miner that will, in all probability post its worst quarterly loss in history -- after posting its worst ever annual results (about a month and a half ago) -- is up, almost 6% after falling 20% early in the week.

One could be forgiven for making the assumption that -- with the SEC being hog-tied by Tangerine 2.0 appointees, Wall Streeters are. . . manipulating stocks for pump and dump runs.

As to Merck though, the vast capital to manipulate the needed volumes on the NYSE. . . are well-beyond any one firm's capital reserves. So -- I just think people are just. . . unduly cautious -- on pharma, of late.

We shall see. Onward -- and I haven't even begun to handicap the Kentucky Derby entrants yet, this year -- but may fly down, anyway and snag a seat. . . smile. To the Rockies -- on Monday, no matter what.

नमस्ते