Here's why the Afterpay (ASX:APT) share price is surging higher

The Afterpay Ltd (ASX:APT) share price is on form on Friday and surging higher. Here's what you need to know…

Graphic illustration of buy now pay later technology overlaid on blurred photo of businessman on tablet

Image source: Getty Images

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

The Afterpay Ltd (ASX: APT) share price is back on form again on Friday and charging notably higher.

In morning trade the payments company's shares are up 5% to $114.19.

Why is the Afterpay share price charging higher today?

Investors have been buying Afterpay's shares on Friday in response to a particularly positive night of trade on Wall Street.

Overnight the technology-focused Nasdaq index stormed over 2.5% higher to close above the 13,000 points level for the first time ever.

Investors were buying shares after Congress confirmed the election of Joe Biden as president, traders looked beyond the unrest in Washington, and the Democrats took control of the Senate.

The latter is being seen as a major positive for the US and global economy, as it should make it possible for additional stimulus measures to be pushed through in the near future.

What about other tech shares?

It isn't just Afterpay that is storming higher on Friday. A number of other tech shares are on course to end the week strongly.

The likes of Altium Limited (ASX: ALU) and Zip Co Ltd (ASX: Z1P) shares are both recording solid gains in morning trade and are helping to drive the S&P ASX All Technology Index (ASX: XTX) higher.

At the time of writing, the S&P ASX All Technology Index is up a decent 1.3%. This compares to a 0.1% gain by the benchmark S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO).

Where next for the Afterpay share price?

The Afterpay share price may have tripled in value over the last 12 months, but some brokers believe it can still go higher.

Analysts at Bell Potter have a buy rating and $140.00 price target on its shares, whereas Credit Suisse has an outperform rating and $124.00 price target.

Bell Potter's price target implies potential upside of over 22% for its shares over the next 12 months.

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 and recommends Altium. The Motley Fool Australia's parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. owns shares of ZIPCOLTD FPO. The Motley Fool Australia owns shares of AFTERPAY T FPO. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Bruce Jackson.

More on Share Gainers

bull market model with a bull looking at a rising chart
Opinions

By December 2026, $1,000 invested in EOS shares could be worth…

With its share price taking off and contracts piling up, EOS is shaping up as one of the most compelling…

Read more »

Army man and woman on digital devices.
Share Gainers

Guess which ASX 300 defence stock has already rocketed 51% this week (Hint, not DroneShield)

Investors have sent this ASX 300 defence stock flying this week. But why?

Read more »

A male investor wearing a white shirt and blue suit jacket sits at his desk looking at his laptop with his hands to his chin, waiting in anticipation.
Share Gainers

Here are the top 10 ASX 200 shares today

It was another tough day for investors.

Read more »

Ecstatic woman looking at her phone outside with her fist pumped.
Share Gainers

Why 4DMedical, DroneShield, EOS, and Star shares are rising today

These shares are catching the eye on Tuesday. But why?

Read more »

An old-fashioned panel of judges each holding a card with the number 10
Share Gainers

Here are the top 10 ASX 200 shares today

It was a Garfield kind of Monday for investors.

Read more »

a young woman raises her hands in joyful celebration as she sits at her computer in a home environment.
Share Gainers

Why 4DMedical, EOS, Gorilla Gold, and Neuren shares are racing higher today

These shares are starting the week with a bang. Here's why.

Read more »

Three trophies in declining sizes with a red curtain backdrop
Share Gainers

Here are the top 10 ASX 200 shares today

It was a happy end to the trading week!

Read more »

Person pointing at an increasing blue graph which represents a rising share price.
Share Gainers

Why 4DMedical, Dateline, Deep Yellow, and Newmont shares are pushing higher today

These shares are ending the week with a bang. But why?

Read more »