US stocks fall in early trading, but head toward monthly gains

US stock indices fell in early trading Monday, but remain on the cusp for monthly gains in November.

This came amid focus on the latest developments in the coronavirus crisis and vaccines, as the global death toll is now near 1.5 million victims.

The American company 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.

While AstraZeneca is facing some issues regarding its vaccine that it is developing in cooperation with the University of Oxford, amid doubts about its effectiveness and safety.

As for stocks, Dow Jones fell 0.9% or 275 points to 29,635 as of 15:07 GMT, Nasdaq fell 0.1% or 15 points to 12,190, and S&P 500 fell 0.4% or 15 points to 3,622.