Gold retreated to 1-week lows as a potential COVID-19 vaccine developed by AstraZeneca Plc and Oxford University produced a strong immune response in older adults, giving hope it may protect some of those most vulnerable to the disease.

The data, published in full, suggests that those aged over 70 – who are at higher risk of serious illness and death from COVID-19 – could build robust immunity to the pandemic disease.

But rival drugmakers Pfizer Inc, BioNTech and Moderna have in the past 10 days edged ahead, releasing data from late-stage COVID-19 vaccine trials that shows more than 90% efficacy. 

AstraZeneca has signed several supply and manufacturing deals with companies and governments around the world as it gets close to reporting results of its late-stage trials.

Gold is currently up 23% this year, boosted by its appeal as a hedge against inflation and currency debasement and unprecedented stimulus measures globally.

Elsewhere increased coronavirus-driven restrictions in the United States, where the death toll crossed 250,000, caused Asian equities to fall from record highs.