(Reuters) – Moderna Inc will join the S&P 500 index as of the start of trading on July 21, replacing Alexion Pharmaceuticals, S&P Dow Jones Indices said in a statement on Thursday.
Moderna shares rose 6% in extended trade after the announcement. The COVID-19 vaccine maker’s stock has surged over 150% this year, elevating its market capitalization to about $100 billion.
Britain’s AstraZeneca said last December it would acquire U.S. biotech Alexion in a $39 billion deal.
(Reporting by Noel Randewich; Editing by Sandra Maler)
