ASX 200 up 0.6%: NAB charges higher, ACCC investigates Qantas acquisition

National Australia Bank Ltd. (ASX:NAB) and Qantas Airways Limited (ASX:QAN) shares are on the move on the ASX 200 on Monday…

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 poor start to the day, the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) has bounced back and is pushing higher at lunch. At the time of writing the benchmark index is up 0.6% to 5,790.4points.

Here's what is happening on the market today:

Big four banks push higher.

The big four banks are pushing higher on Monday and helping drive the ASX 200 higher. The best performer in the group has been the National Australia Bank Ltd. (ASX: NAB) share price with a 1.6% gain. This latest gain means that NAB's shares are now up 37% from their 52-week low.

Qantas ACCC investigation.

The Qantas Airways Limited (ASX: QAN) share price is pushing higher today despite the ACCC providing an update on its investigation into the airline's acquisition of a 19.9% stake in Alliance Aviation Services Ltd (ASX: AQZ). The ACCC's investigation will now focus on the competitive dynamics between Qantas and Alliance. It will examine whether the stake affects Alliance's ability to raise funds, consider takeovers, or participate in commercial ventures.

Pro Medicus update.

The Pro Medicus Limited (ASX: PME) share price is on the rise on Monday after it announced a major contract win with Northwestern Memorial HealthCare. According to the release, Pro Medicus has signed a five-year, A$22 million deal with the Chicago-based healthcare company for its Visage 7 technology. Management also revealed that its business has not been impacted materially by the pandemic.

Best and worst ASX 200 performers.

The Adbri Ltd (ASX: ABC) share price is the best performer on the ASX 200 on Monday with an 8.5% gain. This is despite there being no news out of Adbri, which was formerly known as Adelaide Brighton. The worst performer on the index has been the Clinuvel Pharmaceuticals Limited (ASX: CUV) share price with a 5% decline. This appears to have been driven by valuation concerns.

James Mickleboro has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia's parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. recommends Pro Medicus Ltd. The Motley Fool Australia owns shares of and has recommended Pro Medicus Ltd. 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 Market News

A man holding a cup of coffee puts his thumb up and smiles while at laptop.
Broker Notes

Brokers name 3 ASX shares to buy today

Here's why brokers are feeling bullish about these three shares this week.

Read more »

A man casually dressed looks to the side in a pensive, thoughtful manner with one hand under his chin, holding a mobile phone in his hand while thinking about something.
Broker Notes

3 ASX All Ords shares tipped to rise 30% to 80% in 2026

Looking for New Year's investment inspiration?

Read more »

a business man in a suit holds his hand over his eyes as he bows his head in a defeated post suggesting regret and remorse.
Share Fallers

Why Core Lithium, Paladin Energy, Pro Medicus, and Rio Tinto shares are dropping today

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

Read more »

Rocket takes off from the hand of a businessman.
Share Gainers

3 ASX 200 stocks rocketing higher in the first full trading week of 2026

Investors have been piling into these three ASX 200 stocks in 2026. But why?

Read more »

A young woman holding her phone smiles broadly and looks excited, after receiving good news.
Share Gainers

Why Codan, DroneShield, Mesoblast, and Woodside shares are storming higher today

These shares are ending the week strongly. But why?

Read more »

A mature-aged woman wearing goggles and a red cape, rides her bike along the beach looking victorious.
Best Shares

These were my 2 best stocks of 2025

Both of these stocks bagged me triple-digit returns last year.

Read more »

Woman with gold nuggets on her hand.
Gold

Up 177% in a year, why is this ASX 300 gold stock leaping higher again on Friday?

Investors are piling into this high-flying ASX gold stock again today. But why?

Read more »

A man holds his head in his hands, despairing at the bad result he's reading on his computer.
Mergers & Acquisitions

Rio Tinto shares sink 6% on Glencore merger bombshell

The market is reacting negatively to this potential mega-merger.

Read more »