FTSE 100: All eyes on AstraZeneca after Covid vaccine approved for emergency supply
After a busy day yesterday for markets in the first trading session after Christmas, there are today more events that could potentially boost sentiment further.
The FTSE 100 was up 100.54 points to 6602.65 at the close yesterday. Investors welcomed Boris Johnson’s Brexit deal which had been announced after the Christmas close.
Today the UK blue chip index could be further boosted after AstraZeneca this morning said its Covid-19 vaccine has been approved for emergency supply in the UK, with the first doses being released today so that vaccinations may begin early in the New Year.
Pascal Soriot, chief executive of AstraZeneca, said: “Today is an important day for millions of people in the UK who will get access to this new vaccine. ”
Soirot added: "It has been shown to be effective, well-tolerated, simple to administer and is supplied by AstraZeneca at no profit. We would like to thank our many colleagues at AstraZeneca, Oxford University, the UK government and the tens of thousands of clinical trial participants."
Watch: Hancock announces Oxford vaccine submitted for approval
As at 9.20am this morning, the FTSE 100 was 7.33 points higher at 6,609.98. Shares in AstraZeneca improved 37p, or 0.5%, to 7499p.
Elsewhere today, the Prime Minister is set to say the UK will “open a new chapter in our national story”. MPs will vote on the post-Brexit trade agreement. The bill is expected to receive the backing of Parliament, in a move that will bring further relief following a year that has seen much turbulence.
But in another update, there could be more pressure on the hospitality sector and ‘non-essential’ retailers. It has been reported that the government is expected to put more areas into Tier 4 amid rising coronavirus cases.
Under the Tier 4 rules, businesses required to close include those in the non-essential retail sector, such as clothing and betting stores. Pubs and restaurants are restricted to offering takeaways and deliveries.
Watch: Will Interest rates stay low forever?
Read More
