Stocks up as U.K. approves another COVID-19 vaccine, make new highs Stocks had a winning day in the second to last trading session of 2020 after another COVID-19 vaccine won approval, but in the U.K. and not yet the U.S. ECONOMIC EVENTS: In the U.S., the advance indicators report revealed a November widening in the goods trade deficit to a record $84.8B in November, which was larger than expected. The Chicago PMI bounced 1.3 points to 59.5 in December, which was better than forecast. An index of pending home sales dropped 2.6% to 125.7 in November, which was below expectations. TOP NEWS: AstraZeneca ($AZN) announced that its COVID-19 vaccine has been approved for emergency supply in the U.K. AstraZeneca, which noted that it is conducting a large trial in the U.S. and globally, said the company aims to supply millions of doses in the first quarter as part of an agreement with the U.K. government to supply up to 100M doses in total. Afterward, AlphaValue analyst Amandeep Goyal upgraded the stock to Add from Reduce, arguing that the approval means "sentiment around Astra's share price should improve finally." Tesla ($TSLA), one of the biggest winners of 2020, rose to a new record high as a number of analysts predicted the company will beat expectations and achieve its target of 500,000 deliveries in 2020 when the electric carmaker releases its fourth quarter delivery numbers.Walt Disney ($DIS), a stock many consider a reopening stock, was an individual standout, as was Visa ($V) on word that the $600 stimulus checks have started to hit people's bank accounts. On a related note, Senate Majority Leader McConnell said that $2000 stimulus checks (an increase from $600) have "no realistic path" to quickly pass in the Senate. MAJOR MOVERS: Among the noteworthy gainers was DermTech ($DMTK), which gained 27.4% after the company announced that Geisinger Health System has issued a positive medical benefit policy for its Commercial and Medicare Business Segment for the DermTech Pigmented Lesion Assay. Among the notable losers was Osmotica Pharmaceuticals ($OSMT), which fell 20% after the FDA issued a Complete Response Letter regarding the company's New Drug Application seeking approval for arbaclofen extended release tablets to treat spasticity resulting from multiple sclerosis. Also lower was MicroVision ($MVIS), which slid over 2% after the company announced it entered into a $13M at-the-market equity offering agreement with Craig-Hallum Capital Group. Reviewing Wednesday's economic data:Pending home sales dropped 2.6% m/m in November (Briefing.com consensus -0.5%) following a revised 0.9% decline in October (-1.1%).The Chicago PMI for December increased to 59.2 (Briefing.com consensus 56.9) from 58.2 in November.The Advance International Trade in Goods deficit widened to $84.8 billion in November (prior -$80.3 billion); Advance Retail Inventories increased 0.3% (prior increase revised to 0.9% from 0.8%); and Advance Wholesale Inventories decreased 0.1% (prior increase revised to 1.1% from 0.9%).Nasdaq Composite +43.4% YTDRussell 2000 +18.7% YTDS&P 500 +15.5% YTDDow Jones Industrial Average +6.6% YTDMarket SnapshotDow30409.50+73.89(0.24%)Nasdaq12870.01+19.78(0.15%)SP 5003732.04+5.00(0.13%)10-yr Note +1/320.926NYSEAdv 2131 Dec 921 Vol 691.0 mlnNasdaqAdv 2576 Dec 1135 Vol 5.2 blnIndustry WatchStrong: Energy, Materials, IndustrialsWeak: Communication Services, Consumer Staples, Information TechnologyMoving the Market-- Dow closes at record high with small gain in lackluster session-- AstraZeneca (AZN)/Oxford vaccine approved for emergency use in the UK-- $600 stimulus checks started going out last night-- Cyclical sectors outperformed Disclosure: I may trade in the ticker symbols mentioned, both long or short. My articles represent my personal opinion and analysis and should not be taken as investment advice. Readers should do their own research before making decisions to buy or sell securities. Trading and investing include risks, including loss of principal. If you liked this article, please click the LIKE (thumbs up) button. Feel free to leave any comments, question, or opinions. (Sign-up if you haven't already done so). Follow us/bookmark us and check back occasionally for additional articles or comments on our page... Wild Tiger Trading - start/main page. .