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While all eyes are on Brexit today, vaccines are still the “magic wand” lifting investor confidence, says Neil Wilson of Markets.com.
As the UK’s vaccination programme begins, the Oxford University and AstraZeneca vaccine has been confirmed as being safe and effective in a Lancet study. The news further underpinned confidence in the reopening trade.
Meanwhile the FDA has confirmed the efficacy and safety of the Pfizer/BioNTech vaccine, clearing the way for its imminent approval for use in the US.
Related: Oxford/AstraZeneca Covid vaccine has 70% efficacy, full trial data shows
Vaccine optimism is also lifting shares in London this morning.
IAG (which owns British Airways) is up 5% and Rolls-Royce (which makes and services jet engines) gaining 3.5%.
Related: FDA: Pfizer Covid vaccine data fits with guidance on emergency authorization
The US health regulator noted no concerns on the Pfizer/BioNTech vaccine, while Johnson & Johnson threw its hat into the ring, announcing that it could obtain late-stage trial results for its vaccine in January.
Alongside a roll out which has now begun in the UK, expectations are increasing for a relatively early solution to the human and economic problems which the pandemic has caused.
VACCINE WORKS WITHIN 10 DAYS: New FDA analysis of the Pfizer/BioNTech vaccine shows the immunity protection of the #COVID19 vaccine kicks in **starting on day 10** after first dose, and continues to protect from there. Astounding!! https://t.co/zU4j0utcpu pic.twitter.com/lP5VAvZo03
