- Moderna (MRNA.US) COVID-19 vaccine is more than 94% effective
- US coronavirus cases top 11 million
- US30 is testing key 30 000 pts level
US indices launched today's session higher on news that Moderna's (MRNA.US) vaccine is more than 94% effective in preventing Covid-19 according to the preliminary phase three trial data. Also new vaccine does not present any significant safety concerns. Vaccine will stay stable at refrigerated temperatures for 30 days, up from a prior estimate of 7 days. Company CEO Stephane Bancel called these results “game-changer.” Investors also cheered a major trade deal signed during the weekend that includes 15 countries from Asia-Pacific region, including China, Australia, New Zealand, South Korea and Japan. Meanwhile, total number of COVID-19 infections in the US surpassed 11 million yesterday. Several states imposed new restrictions with Michigan halting on-site teaching and indoor dining in bars and restaurants. In Washington, authorities decided to close gyms, cinemas, theatres, museums and also banned eating in restaurants. This week Biden’s scientific advisers will meet with pharmaceutical companies which are working on coronavirus vaccines to discuss the logistical challenges of widespread vaccination, Reuters reported.
US30 move sharply higher on recent vaccine news. Currently index is testing the psychological level of 30 000 pts where the all-time high is located. Should sellers regain control then nearest support lies at 29 557 pts level. Source: xStation5
Moderna (MRNA.US) stock launched today’s session with a massive bullish price gap and painted a fresh all-time high. The nearest support lies at $95.05 level. As long as the price sits above it, further upward move looks to be more probable. Source: xStation5Qualcomm (QCOM.US) received permission from the US authorities to sell 4G mobile chips to China’s Huawei. This is an exception to an ongoing ban that took effect in September.
JD.com (JD.US) stock fell 2% despite the company posted better than expected quarterly figures. The China e-commerce company reported adjusted earnings of 50 cents a share on revenue of $25.66 billion while analysts' expected earnings of 41 cents a share on revenue of $25.66 billion. Company also said that online orders remained strong even after coronavirus-related restrictions were lifted in China.
Uber Technologies (UBER) - according to several source Uber may sell its autonomous driving unit to startup Aurora. Negotiations are still ongoing and it is uncertain whether a final agreement will be concluded. Uber stock gained over 2% in premarket.
Walmart (WMT.US) selling its majority stake in Japanese supermarket chain Seiyu to KKR (KKR.US) and e-commerce company Rakuten for more than $1 billion. Walmart will continue to own 15% of Seiyu shares, with KKR holding 65% and Rakuten 20%.
Simon Property Group (SPG.US) stock rose over 7% after company announced acquisition of its competitor Taubman Centers (TCO.US) in a revised takeover deal worth $43 per share. The original deal from February was worth $52.50 per share.
