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Pfizer to begin a pilot coronavirus immunization program in four US states

Following the news that Pfizer’s vaccine for Covid-19 is showing signs of 90% efficacy, the risk flows have gathered steam across the financial markets, with the latest headlines suggesting that there finally seems to be a light at the end of the pandemic-tunnel.

The American pharma giant said on Tuesday, it will begin a pilot coronavirus immunization program in four US states.

Additional details (via Reuters)

“Launched a pilot program to help better support the states' planning, deployment, and administration of the COVID-19 vaccine candidate.”

“Learnings from the program will be adapted for usage across other states to help them create effective immunization programs for this vaccine.”

“Four states included in the pilot program will not receive vaccine doses earlier than other states by virtue of this pilot.”

On Monday, the risk rally strengthened after Moderna Inc claimed that its experimental vaccine was 94.5% effective, based on interim data from a late-stage clinical trial.

Market reaction

The above reports failed to impress markets, as the Asian equities traded mixed while the futures tied to the S&P 500 index posted small losses.

Meanwhile, the US dollar remained on the back foot across the board, with the DXY losing 0.15% on the day to trade at 92.50.

Author

Dhwani Mehta

Dhwani Mehta

FXStreet

Residing in Mumbai (India), Dhwani is a Senior Analyst and Manager of the Asian session at FXStreet. She has over 10 years of experience in analyzing and covering the global financial markets, with specialization in Forex and commodities markets.

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