Asian stock mix, European shares decrease as vaccine doubt looms

Gulf Today Report

Asian stock remains mixed on Friday as doubts for the effectiveness of coronavirus vaccine outweighed the hope of investors. 

Benchmarks in Shanghai, Hong Kong and Sydney declined while Tokyo and Seoul rose.

The revelation of data errors in COVID-19 vaccine trials is making investors have doubt, said Mizuho Bank. 

The Shanghai Composite Index lost less than 0.1% to 3,368.12 and the Hang Seng in Hong Kong shed 0.2% to 26,776.83. The Nikkei 225 in Tokyo rose 0.3% to 26,626.81.

The Kospi in Seoul added 0.1% to 2,630.07 while Sydney's S&P-ASX 200 shed 0.5% to 6,603.70. 

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India's Sensex opened down less than 0.1% at 44,241.06. New Zealand, Bangkok and Jakarta gained while Singapore retreated.

European Shares

European shares fell on Friday as researchers question data of AstraZeneca’s COVID-19 vaccine. 

The pan-European STOXX 600 dipped 0.1%, with travel and energy sectors among the biggest decliners in early trading. The benchmark index was, however, on course for a fourth consecutive weekly gain.

According to AstraZeneca’s chief executive, the company will be running a global trial using a lower dose. The company’s shares dropped by 0.6% as doubts were raised.