Nasdaq Markets

(RTTNews) - Asian stock markets, with the exception of China, are higher on Wednesday following the positive cues overnight from Wall Street and on optimism about a potential coronavirus vaccine.

(RTTNews) - Google is in advanced talks to invest $4 billion for a stake in Jio Platforms, the digital arm of Indian conglomerate Reliance Industries. An announcement could come as soon as the next few weeks, Bloomberg reported citing people familiar with the matter.

(RTTNews) - Indian shares are seen opening higher on Wednesday after Wipro's Q1 margins and profits topped forecasts and the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) said that two indigenous vaccine candidates for Covid-19 will enter human trials this month.

Image source: The Motley Fool.

Image source: The Motley Fool.

(RTTNews) - The Thai stock market has finished lower in back-to-back trading days, sliding more than 20 points or 1.7 percent along the way. The Stock Exchange of Thailand remains just above the 1,340-point plateau although it's tipped to halt its slide on Wednesday.

(RTTNews) - The Indonesia stock market has finished higher in back-to-back trading days, gathering almost 50 points or 1 percent along the way. The Jakarta Composite Index now rests just beneath the 5,080-point plateau and it may add to its winnings on Wednesday.

(RTTNews) - The Japanese stock market is rising on Wednesday following the positive cues overnight from Wall Street and on optimism about a coronavirus vaccine. Biotech firm Moderna said its experimental vaccine for COVID-19, mRNA-1273, produced strong immune responses in all 45

(RTTNews) - The Australian stock market is advancing on Wednesday following the positive cues overnight from Wall Street and on optimism about a potential coronavirus vaccine. Biotech firm Moderna said its experimental vaccine for COVID-19, mRNA-1273, produced strong immune resp

(RTTNews) - The Hong Kong stock market has moved lower in two of three trading days since the end of the two-day winning streak in which it had gathered more than 230 points or 0.9 percent. The Hang Seng Index now rests just above the 25,475-point plateau although it's likely to

It has been a breakout year for vaccine specialist Vaxart (VXRT). Entering 2020, the company had a market cap just below a puny $17 million. Since then, shares have exploded by an incredible 4748% as investors have piled in with the hope Vaxart can be the surprise provider of the coveted COVID-19 vaccine.

However, Vaxart stock still has plenty left in the tank, according to B Riley FBR analyst Mayank Mamtani.

The 5-star analyst believes that, based on the company’s proprietary VAAST (vector-adjuvant-antigen standardized technology) vaccine platform, Vaxart’s “one-of-its-kind oral solution,” could set it apart from the competition.

Mamtani added, “We believe clinical proof of concept from norovirus and influenza programs validates VAAST’s targeted immune system activation approach with enteric-coated tablets designed to release a vaccine specifically in the small intestine. This activation of gut immunity provides protection at the inner linings of the GI and respiratory tracts and is a key differentiator versus other platform approaches, in our view.”

Apart from the convenience of an oral solution instead of the more commonly used injection, Vaxart’s approach has logistical advantages, and its worldwide distribution would cause “only a minimal incremental burden to the global vaccine supply chain.” Moreover, the unique approach could increase global vaccination rates because it is one well suited to developing counties whose less advanced healthcare systems are already under duress due to the pandemic.

It is worth remembering, however, that the company is still in very early stages. Preclinical trials have been promising with several vaccine candidates generating immune responses in 100% of tested animals following a single dose. With the most suitable vaccine candidate now selected, Vaxart plans on initiating a phase 1 trial in 2H20, possibly starting in the summer. Despite having to play catch up with other more advanced programs, Mamtani doesn’t rule out additional funding to accelerate the progress of Vaxart’s COVID-19 vaccine program.

“Although VXRT is lagging a bit on timelines in a crowded influenza and COVID-19 landscape, we believe convenience differentiation and generation of de-risking data sets will likely translate into adequate non-dilutive funding support, including Operation Warp Speed for COVID-19 and J&J for a universal influenza program, in 2H20,” Mamtani said.

To this end, Mamtani rates Vaxart a Buy along with a $22 price target. The implication for investors? Further upside of "just" 30%. (To watch Mamtani’s track record, click here)

Over the past 3 months, two other analysts have thrown the hat in with a review of Vaxart; Both reaffirm Mamtani’s positive assessment with additional Buy ratings. (See Vaxart stock analysis on TipRanks)

To find good ideas for healthcare stocks trading at attractive valuations, visit TipRanks’ Best Stocks to Buy, a newly launched tool that unites all of TipRanks’ equity insights.

Image source: The Motley Fool.

(RTTNews) - The China stock market has moved lower in two of three trading days since the end of the eight-day winning streak in which it had accelerated more than 390 points or 12 percent. The Shanghai Composite Index now sits just beneath the 3,415-point plateau and it's expec

Image source: The Motley Fool.

Image source: The Motley Fool.

(RTTNews) - The Taiwan stock market has finished lower in two of three trading days since the end of the two-day winning streak in which it had collected nearly 100 points or 0.8 percent. The Taiwan Stock Exchange now sits just beneath the 12,210-point plateau and now it's looki

Apple's clash with EU competition regulators comes to a head on Wednesday as Europe's second-highest court rules on whether it has to pay 13 billion euros ($15 billion) in Irish back taxes, a key part of the EU's crackdown against sweetheart tax deals.

(RTTNews) - The Singapore stock market has finished lower in three straight sessions, sliding almost 50 points or 1.9 percent along the way. The Straits Times Index now rests just above the 2,620-point plateau and it figures to stop the bleeding on Wednesday.

Image source: The Motley Fool.

Image source: The Motley Fool.