Investors have been encouraged by reports of progress toward a possible vaccine. But they were uneasy after researchers questioned data that showed a candidate from the University of Oxford and AstraZeneca was 70% effective."Market participants showed increasing signs of nervousness as data errors were revealed," said Mizuho Bank in a report.
The Kospi in Seoul lost less than 0.1% to 2,625.84 and Sydney's S&P-ASX 200 fell 0.7% to 6,592.50. New Zealand and Jakarta gained while Singapore retreated.Investors are looking forward to a possible vaccine to control the coronavirus following the deepest economic slump since the 1930s, though forecasters warn the stock market rebound might be too early to be sustained.
Investors also are dismayed that U.S. states and European governments are reimposing controls on business and travel as infection rates surge.