US stocks open higher, Nasdaq hits new record high

The main US stock indices rose in early trading Tuesday, amid optimism about the Covid-19 vaccines and chances of finally containing the pandemic.

The administration of the outgoing US President Donald Trump announced that it would start distributing doses of two Covid-19 vaccines ahead of the Christmas holidays this month.

Moderna announced on Monday that its vaccine was 100% effective at preventing severe COVID-19 in the final analysis of the third and final stage of clinical trials, adding that it is also suitable for all age groups.

Several other pharmaceutical companies are preparing to apply for an emergency authorization to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

As for stocks, Dow Jones rose 1.3% or 385 points to 30,022 as of 15:31 GMT, Nasdaq rose 0.9% or 109 points to 12,307, and S&P 500 rose 1.3% or 48 points to 3,668.