US stocks close lower on doubts about possible coronavirus vaccine

US stocks fell on Tuesday, as Nasdaq turned lower after rising earlier, due to doubts about the announced coronavirus vaccine by the American biotech company "Moderna".

The American firm, Moderna, conducted preliminary human trials of its coronavirus vaccine, and announced it led to antibody responses that might help protect people from being infected with the novel coronavirus.

But scientists stressed doubts about the lack of data to assess the tests of the "Moderna" vaccine, which are still only preliminary results.

Data showed today that the US building permits in April were at 1.07 million, which is higher than forecasts for 1 million, while the housing starts declined in the same period.

Otherwise, US Vice President Mike Pence said that all 50 states have started to gradually reopen their economies.

To the oil market, West Texas Intermediate crude fell 2.1% to close at $32.50 a barrel , after it hit a day high of $33.4 and a low of $31.3.

Brent crude lost 0.5% to $34.65 a barrel, with a high of $35.7 and a low of $34.2.

As for stocks, Dow Jones fell 1.6% or 390 points to close at 24,207, after it hit a day high 24,599 and a low 24,202.

Nasdaq fell 0.5% or 49 points to 9,185 points, with a high of 9,317 and a low of 9,183.

S&P 500 fell 1% or 31 points to 2,923 points, with a high of 2,964 and a low of 2,922.