Negative sentiment reigns again on financial markets. European stock indexes are falling and futures of Dow Jones, S&P 500 and Nasdaq have changed direction amid fears over the effectiveness of existing vaccines in relation to the new omicron strain.
In an interview with Britain’s Financial Times, Moderna (MRNA) CEO Stephane Buncel expressed doubts that current vaccines would be effective enough to fight the new variant of the coronavirus. And it could take months to develop and deliver new versions of the drugs.
“It will only take two weeks to understand the extent to which the mutation has affected the effectiveness of the vaccines currently on the market,” the MRNA executive clarified.
Amid such prospects, the pan-European Stoxx 600 stock index is losing more than one percent. Leading the way down in Europe are Renault (RNO) -3.77%, Siemens Energy (ENR) -3.74%, Stellantis (STLA) -3.65% and Volkswagen (VOW) -3.29%.
Futures contracts on U.S. stock indices are down 1.5% on Dow Jones, to 0.62% on Nasdaq 100.
The sell-off in the commodities market has resumed. U.S. WTI crude is losing about 3%, and is already trading below $68 a barrel. North Sea Brent stands just above $71.
Stefan Bancel is worrying the markets. Although MRNA shares are up 30% in 2 days. Photo: Getty Images
