S&P 500, ASX, 200, HANG SENG, ASIA-PACIFIC MARKET OUTLOOK:
- US equity indices closed at all-time highs, but the rally may take a pause on virus concerns
- ASX 200, Hang Seng and S&P 500 futures are mixed in view of viral resurgence and lockdowns
- Stimulus money, speculation and return of traders propelled cryptocurrencies, Bitcoin topped $33k
Pandemic, PMIs, Bitcoin, Asia-Pacific Stocks Weekly Outlook:
Asia-Pacific markets may kick off the week with a mixed tone after all three major US indices finished the year at their record highs thanks to the Covid-19 vaccine rollout, the US stimulus package, as well as seemingly broad consensus that central banks will largely stay accommodative as the pandemic worsens.