- US markets were closed in observance of Thanksgiving Day
- AstraZeneca (AZN.UK) reveals dosing mistake in COVID-19 vaccine trial
- Spread of the COVID-19 still accelerates in Europe
European indices finished today's session mixed amid thinner liquidity as US traders take a day off to celebrate Thanksgiving Day. ECB's minutes showed policymakers will likely launch more stimulus in December, although the decision to change current instruments was not unanimous. Meanwhile, German government decided to extend restrictive measures imposed early this month until December 20th as COVID-19 infection numbers remained high. On the economic data front, consumer morale in Germany and France figures came in below analysts' expectations challenging the idea of a quick return to normal in the euro zone's two biggest economies. Investors also digested a dosing error in AstraZeneca's (AZN.UK) potential coronavirus vaccine. Head of the White House’s vaccine task force expressed doubts about trial data and the vaccine's 90% effectiveness as group of patients was accidentally receiving a lower dose than intended. Company will likely run an additional global trial to evaluate the efficacy of its Covid-19 vaccine.
On the coronavirus front UK reported 18.2k new cases on Wednesday and 696 deaths, its highest figure since May 5th and France reported 16.3k new Covid-19 infections on Wednesday, the third consecutive daily increase. Germany reported over 22k new Covid-19 infections on Thursday, up from 18k on Wednesday and marking the fourth consecutive daily increase. Meanwhile US reported over 181K new COVID-19 infections yesterday, the 3rd highest on record.
US crude futures fell more than 1% to trade around $45.2 a barrel while the international benchmark Brent contract fell nearly 2% to trade around $47.7 a barrel. Elsewhere, gold futures rose slightly to $1809/oz, while silver reversed early gains to trade nearly flat around $23.3/oz amid slightly weaker dollar.
AstraZeneca (AZN.UK) stock has been trading in local sideways move. However, the price reached the support today - lower limit of consolidation range (77.67). If buyers manage to halt declines here, the upward move may be resumed. In such a scenario the nearest resistance to watch lies at 81.20 and is additionally strengthened by 200 SMA (red line). On the other hand, breaking below the aforementioned 77.67 handle may trigger a bigger downward move towards support at 71.58. Source: xStation5
