These were the worst performers on the ASX 200 in 2018

The AMP Limited (ASX:AMP) share price was one of the worst performers on the ASX 200 in 2018. Here's what happened…

| More on:
a woman

You’re reading a free article with opinions that may differ from The Motley Fool’s Premium Investing Services. Become a Motley Fool member today to get instant access to our top analyst recommendations, in-depth research, investing resources, and more. Learn More

After a strong start to the year the S&P/ASX 200 (Index: ^AXJO) (ASX: XJO) gave back its gains and more to finish the year with a disappointing decline of 6.9% in 2018.

One of the biggest drags on the index were the big four banks which fell heavily due to the Royal Commission and a cooling housing market.

But they weren't the worst performers on the ASX 200. The five worst performing shares were as follows:

The Syrah Resources Ltd (ASX: SYR) share price was the worst performer on the benchmark index in 2018 with a 68% decline. The graphite miner came under heavy selling pressure last year after suffering from a number of production disruptions at its Balama project. This led to the company having to downgrade its guidance numerous times. In addition to this, lower demand for battery making ingredients has led to short sellers targeting Syrah and its peers.

The Automotive Holdings Group Ltd (ASX: AHG) share price plunged 57% lower in 2018. The auto retailer's shares have been sold off after the cooling housing market led to challenging trading conditions. In addition to this, regulatory intervention in the sale of finance and insurance products has created headwinds for Automotive Holdings.

The Orocobre Limited (ASX: ORE) share price tumbled a sizeable 54% last year. Short sellers have been targeting Orocobre and several lithium miner peers due to concerns that lower than expected demand and increasing supply of the battery making ingredient could lead to a sharp drop in prices. This appears to have proven accurate with Orocobre recently announcing a sharp decline in the prices it is commanding for its lithium carbonate in the December quarter.

The Ausdrill Limited (ASX: ASL) share price dropped 53% last year. Ausdrill's shares came under pressure last year after announcing the acquisition of leading underground hard-rock mining contractor Barminco and the loss of a mining contract at the Edikan gold mine in August. While management is targeting FY 2019 underlying earnings growth of between 20% and 30%, it hasn't been enough to support its share price.

The AMP Limited (ASX: AMP) share price fell 53% in 2018 after being hit for six at the Royal Commission. Investors appear concerned that the financial services company's appearance at the inquiry has damaged its brand significantly and will lead to high levels of fund outflows and a meaningful reduction in profitability.

Motley Fool contributor James Mickleboro has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended Automotive Holdings Group Limited. We Fools may not all hold the same opinions, but we all believe that considering a diverse range of insights makes us better investors. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

More on Share Fallers

A young man clasps his hand to his head with his eyes closed and a pained expression on his face as he clasps a laptop computer in front of him, seemingly learning of bad news or a poor investment.
Share Fallers

Why Burgundy Diamond Mines, Clarity Pharmaceuticals, EML, and Zip are sinking today

These ASX shares are ending the week in the red. But why?

Read more »

A worried man holds his head and look at his computer.
Share Fallers

Why 29Metals, Brainchip, Platinum, and Premier Investments shares are falling today

These ASX shares are having a tough time on hump day.

Read more »

Man with his head in his head because of falling share price.
Share Fallers

Why 29Metals, Atlas Arteria, IDP Education, and Mineral Resources shares are falling

These ASX shares are having a tough time on Tuesday. But why?

Read more »

A man sits in despair at his computer with his hands either side of his head, staring into the screen with a pained and anguished look on his face, in a home office setting.
Share Fallers

Why ALS, EOS, NRW, and Patriot Battery Metals are dropping today

These ASX shares are starting the week in the red.

Read more »

A man looking at his laptop and thinking.
Technology Shares

Why are these ASX tech shares getting smashed today?

Owners of these two stocks are missing out today.

Read more »

a man weraing a suit sits nervously at his laptop computer biting into his clenched hand with nerves, and perhaps fear.
Share Fallers

Why AGL, Brickworks, IGO, and New Hope shares are dropping today

These ASX shares are having a poor session. But why?

Read more »

Frustrated stock trader screaming while looking at mobile phone, symbolising a falling share price.
Share Fallers

Why Amcor, Arafura, Brainchip, and South32 shares are tumbling today

These ASX shares are having a tough time on hump day. But why?

Read more »

A young woman holds an open book over her head with a round mouthed expression as if to say oops as she looks at her computer screen in a home office setting with a plant on the desk and shelves of books in the background.
Share Fallers

Why Aussie Broadband, Liontown, Metals Acquisition, and Seek shares are falling

These ASX shares are having a poor session. But why?

Read more »