ASX 200 down 0.8%: Fortescue (ASX:FMG) tumbles, Afterpay (ASX:APT) sinks lower

Afterpay Ltd (ASX:APT) and Fortescue Metals Group Limited (ASX:FMG) shares are making a splash on the ASX 200 on Thursday…

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 Thursday the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) is dropping lower and giving back much of yesterday's gains.  The benchmark index is currently down 0.8% to 5,909 points.

Here's what is happening on the market today:

ASX share investor sitting in front of lap top with head in hands

Image source: Getty Images

Fortescue shares tumble on iron ore price pullback.

The Fortescue Metals Group Limited (ASX: FMG) share price has come under pressure on Thursday after a pullback in the iron ore price overnight. According to CommSec, the spot iron ore price fell 3.4% to US$124.20 a tonne on Wednesday night. The Rio Tinto Limited (ASX: RIO) share price has dropped lower with Fortescue today.

Tech shares run out of steam.

The tech rebound has run out of steam on Thursday, with the likes of Afterpay Ltd (ASX: APT) and Nearmap Ltd (ASX: NEA) both dropping notably lower. This follows a pullback on the technology-focused Nasdaq index overnight. At the time of writing, the S&P/ASX All Technology Index (ASX: XTX) is down 1.7%.

Big four banks largely positive.

The big four banks are fighting hard to get the ASX 200 into positive territory. Three of the big four banks are pushing higher at lunch. The best performer in the group is the National Australia Bank Ltd (ASX: NAB) share price with a gain of 0.8%. The only one not pushing higher today is the Commonwealth Bank of Australia (ASX: CBA) share price. It is down 0.3% at the time of writing.

Best and worst ASX 200 performers.

The best performer on the ASX 200 on Thursday has been the Scentre Group (ASX: SCG) share price with a 4% gain. This follows the announcement of a US$3 billion (A$4.1 billion) subordinated hybrid note issue in the United States market. The worst performer has been the Mineral Resources Limited (ASX: MIN) share price with a 7% decline following the iron ore price pullback. In addition to this, last week Morgan Stanley downgraded the company's shares to an underweight rating.

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 Nearmap Ltd. The Motley Fool Australia owns shares of AFTERPAY T FPO. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended Nearmap 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 young man punches the air in delight as he reacts to great news on his mobile phone.
Broker Notes

These top ASX 200 shares could rise 30% to 40%

Analysts are predicting big things from these shares. Let's find out why.

Read more »

Stacks of coins in a row with each higher than the last, and a person standing on top of each one watching them grow.
Dividend Investing

How I'd invest $2,000 in high-yield ASX 300 shares

I rate these businesses as strong buys for the long-term.

Read more »

A rueful woman tucks into a sweet pie as she contemplates a decision with regret.
Share Fallers

The worst 4 ASX 200 stocks to buy and hold in April unmasked

Investors sent these four ASX 200 stocks tumbling 21% to 44% in April.

Read more »

A man sitting at a computer is blown away by what he's seeing on the screen, hair and tie whooshing back as he screams argh in panic.
Share Fallers

Why these top ASX shares sank 10%+ in April

It was a tough month for these popular shares.

Read more »

A man in his office leans back in his chair with his hands behind his head looking out his window at the city, sitting back and relaxed, confident in his ASX share investments for the long term.
Broker Notes

Buy, hold, sell: Netwealth, PLS, and Reliance shares

Morgans has given its verdict on these shares. Let's see what the broker is saying.

Read more »

Two smiling men in high visibility vests and yellow hardhats stand side by side with a large mound of earth and mining equipment behind them smiling as the Carnaby Resources share price rises today
Share Market News

Buy, hold, sell: Capricorn Metals, PLS Group, Fortescue shares

Bell Potter has reviewed its ratings and 12-month price targets on three ASX 200 mining shares.

Read more »

A group of young people celebrate and party outside.
Share Gainers

Here are the top 10 ASX 200 shares today

ASX investors finally caught a break this Friday.

Read more »

Three people in a corporate office pour over a tablet, ready to invest.
Broker Notes

Brokers name 3 ASX shares to buy right now

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

Read more »