Although it has recovered now, in early trade the S&P/ASX 200 (Index: ^AXJO) (ASX: XJO) sank notably lower.
Unsurprisingly this led to a number of well-known shares dropping deep into the red at the open.
Three which fell to 52-week lows are listed below. Here's why they are down in the dumps right now:
The BT Investment Management Ltd (ASX: BTT) share price hit a 52-week low of $9.53 this morning. The fund manager has come under pressure in recent weeks amid concerns that it could be experiencing a decline in funds under management both in Australia and in the UK through its JO Hambro business. Another factor that is possibly weighing on its share price is its plan to drop the BTIM name. The company will soon be known as Pendal Group Limited. Investors may be concerned that the switch could be a short-term headwind due to the loss of a well-known brand name and the increased marketing spend that rebranding brings. I would suggest investors wait for its next results before deciding whether to make an investment.
The Fortescue Metals Group Limited (ASX: FMG) share price tumbled to a 52-week low of $5.17 on Monday. Shareholders have been heading to the exits in their droves after the company admitted last month that its iron ore discount was widening. According to the release, Fortescue is selling its low-grade produce at 62% of the price of the benchmark 62% fines. This was down from 68% during the first-half and is due to steel makers favouring less polluting high-grade ore at present. Whilst Fortescue's shares do look dirt cheap, I'm not convinced the discount is as wide as it will get. Investors may want to hold out until there are signs that prices are stabilising.
The Magellan Financial Group Ltd (ASX: MFG) share price has hit a 52-week low of $22.89 today. The fund manager's shares have now fallen a massive 22.5% from the 52-week high they made in June of 2017. Investors appear to have been concerned that Magellan could have been suffering from weak fund inflows amid the increased market volatility, particularly in the United States. This morning the fund manager confirmed that total funds under management fell to $65,279 million from $65,363 million in March. This was, however, performance related. Magellan experienced net inflows of $648 million during the month. I think this decline could be a buying opportunity.
