Wall Street climbs but still headed for worst week in months

By STAN CHOE
AP Business Writer

U.S stocks are on the rebound Friday, led by companies that would benefit the most from a healthier economy, as Wall Street claws back some of its sharp losses from earlier in the week. The S&P 500 was 1.1% higher in afternoon trading. Merck helped pace the market and leaped 9.6% after it said its experimental pill to treat COVID-19 cut hospitalizations and deaths by half. Airlines, hotels and companies hurt by restrictions on travel and other activites leaped to some of the biggest gains. The S&P 500 still remains on track for its worst week since Feburary.