Afternoon Markets: Dow buoyed by health vote

Although global drug makers will take a hit to earnings from 2011 when they will be forced to help pay for healthcare reform, they will benefit over the long term as an additional 32 million Americans become customers for their medicines. Shares in Pfizer Inc, the world's biggest drug maker and Merck & Co Inc both gained in early business, trading at $17.18, up 0.27 points (1.60%) and $38.86 0.80 points (2.10%) respectively. Elsewhere Boeing Co. continued its winning streak, after reporting mounting orders for its planes last week, rising 2.14% (1.52 points) to $72.37. However, com...