Are beaten-down healthcare stocks a dip-buying opportunity, or an old-fashioned value trap?

Core Insights - The healthcare sector is currently underperforming, trailing the S&P 500 by approximately eight percentage points in 2025 and trading at a record discount to the benchmark index [4] - The concept of a "value trap" is highlighted, where stocks appear undervalued but are priced correctly due to underlying issues [4] - Traditional views position healthcare stocks as defensive investments, but they tend to underperform during periods of economic growth, which is currently influenced by a stimulative Fed-easing cycle [7] Market Dynamics - The impact of the AI trade on healthcare stocks is significant, with a noted decline in correlation between healthcare and the Nasdaq 100, suggesting that as AI-driven gains propel the market, healthcare may continue to lag [8] - The healthcare sector's historical role as a safe haven during economic downturns contrasts with its current performance, indicating a shift in market dynamics [7]