ASX 200 down 0.1%: Carsales update impresses, a2 Milk surges higher

A2 Milk Company Ltd (ASX:A2M) and Carsales.Com Ltd (ASX:CAR) shares are making a splash on the ASX 200 on Wednesday. Here's why…

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

At lunch on Wednesday the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) has given back its morning gains and dropped into the red. The benchmark index is currently down 0.1% to 5,935.3 points.

Here's what has been happening on the market today:

Carsales update.

The Carsales.Com Ltd (ASX: CAR) share price has been a strong performer on Wednesday. Investors have responded positively to the release of a business update by the auto listings company which included guidance for the full year. Carsales expects to report adjusted earnings before interest, tax, depreciation, and amortisation (EBITDA) in the range of $228 million to $232 million in FY 2020. This will be a 5% to 6% increase on FY 2019's adjusted EBITDA.

Bank shares acting as a drag.

The big four banks have been acting as a major drag on the ASX 200 on Wednesday. At lunch, all four banks are trading lower despite there being no news out of the group. I suspect that investors may be taking a bit of profit off the table after strong gains on Tuesday. The worst performer in the big four has been the Australia and New Zealand Banking GrpLtd (ASX: ANZ) share price with a 1.5% decline.

CSL exec to join BHP

The CSL Limited (ASX: CSL) share price is pushing higher today despite announcing the exit of its chief financial officer. David Lamont, who has been in the role since January 2016, will leave the biotherapeutics company in October and join mining giant BHP Group Ltd (ASX: BHP). Mr Lamont will replace Peter Beaven as the Big Australian's chief financial officer on 1 December 2020.

Best and worst ASX 200 shares.

The best performer on the ASX 200 on Wednesday has been the A2 Milk Company Ltd (ASX: A2M) share price with a gain of almost 7%. On Tuesday UBS retained its buy rating and ~$20.64 price target on the company's shares. The worst performer has been the Mayne Pharma Group Ltd (ASX: MYX) share price with a 4.5% decline. Next week the pharmaceutical company will be kicked out of the ASX 200.

James Mickleboro has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia's parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. owns shares of CSL Ltd. The Motley Fool Australia owns shares of A2 Milk. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended carsales.com 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 Market News

a woman with lots of shopping bags looks upwards towards the sky as if she is pondering something.
Opinions

The pros and cons of buying Zip shares in 2026

There are positive and negative aspects about Zip shares right now…

Read more »

A happy male investor turns around on his chair to look at a friend while a laptop runs on his desk showing share price movements
Broker Notes

Buy, hold, sell: CBA, REA Group, and Xero shares

Morgans has given its verdict on these popular stocks. Let's see if it is bullish on them.

Read more »

A man in a suit looks serious while discussing business dealings with a couple as they sit around a computer at a desk in a bank home lending scenario.
Share Market News

Here's what Westpac says the RBA will do with interest rates in 2026

Stick or twist? Let's see what the RBA could do with rates this year.

Read more »

A woman stretches her arms into the sky as she rises above the crowd.
Best Shares

Fastest rising ASX 200 share of each market sector in 2025

These shares outperformed their sector peers last year.

Read more »

A couple stares at the tv in shock, with the man holding the remote up ready to press a button.
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 young man goes over his finances and investment portfolio at home.
Broker Notes

Buy, hold, sell: Aristocrat, James Hardie, and TechnologyOne shares

Morgans has given its verdict on these popular shares. Is it bullish, bearish, or something in between?

Read more »

Group of entrepreneurs feeling frustrated during a meeting in the office. Focus is on man with headache.
Share Fallers

5 worst ASX All Ords shares of 2025, and why brokers rate 4 of them a buy

The ASX All Ords rose by 7.11% in 2025 but as always, there were losers in the pack.

Read more »

A female soldier flies a drone using hand-held controls.
Best Shares

These 5 ASX All Ords shares were the fastest risers of 2025

The ASX All Ords rose by 7.11% and delivered total returns, including dividends, of 10.56% in 2025.

Read more »