ASX 200 down 0.2%: Afterpay surges, gold miners jump, Fortescue sinks

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

Worried young male investor watches financial charts on computer screen

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

At lunch on Wednesday the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) is on course to end its winning run. The benchmark index is currently down 0.2% to 6,757.7 points.

Here's what is happening on the market today:

Treasury Wine US deal

The Treasury Wine Estates Ltd (ASX: TWE) share price is pushing higher today after announcing a licensing agreement to progress its United States wine business. According to the release, Treasury Wine has entered into a long-term licensing agreement with The Wine Group. This will see its popular brands such as Beringer Main & Vine, Beringer Founders' Estate, Coastal Estates, and the Meridian range sold in the region. The deal is in line with its plans to deliver a premium-focused business in the region.

Afterpay surges higher

The Afterpay Ltd (ASX: APT) share price is surging higher today following a rebound in the tech sector. The catalyst for this was a strong night of trade on the Nasdaq index after bond yields started to ease. Also giving the Afterpay share price a boost was news that it has completed its acquisition of Pagantis. This means that its European expansion can now begin. It isn't just Afterpay rising strongly today. A number of other tech shares are rebounding and helping to drive the S&P/ASX All Technology Index (ASX: XTX) 2.8% higher at lunch.

Gold miners jump

It has been a great day for Australian gold miners on Wednesday. The likes of Ramelius Resources Limited (ASX: RMS) and Silver Lake Resources Limited (ASX: SLR) are storming materially higher after the price of the precious metal rebounded overnight. According to CNBC, the spot gold price rose 2.1% to US$1,717.25 an ounce after bond yields pulled back. At lunch, the S&P/ASX All Ordinaries Gold index is up a sizeable 3.6%.

Best and worst ASX 200 performers

The best performer on the ASX 200 on Wednesday has been the Ramelius share price with an impressive 11% gain. This follows the aforementioned rise in the gold price. The worst performer has been the Fortescue Metals Group Limited (ASX: FMG) share price with a 7% decline. This follows a 6% decline in the spot iron ore price overnight.

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 AFTERPAY T FPO. The Motley Fool Australia owns shares of and has recommended Treasury Wine Estates Limited. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Bruce Jackson.

More on Share Market News

rising gold share price represented by a green arrow on piles of gold block
Share Gainers

Here are the top 10 ASX 200 shares today

It was a horrible way to end the trading week today for ASX investors.

Read more »

Piggy bank sinking in water symbolising a record low share price.
52-Week Lows

9 ASX 200 shares tumbling to 52-week lows today

Israel's strike on Iran on Friday dragged several ASX 200 shares to new depths.

Read more »

Female miner smiling at a mine site.
Share Gainers

Up 834% in a year, guess which ASX mining stock is hitting new all-time highs today

The ASX mining stock has gone from strength to strength over the past year.

Read more »

Broker written in white with a man drawing a yellow underline.
Broker Notes

Brokers name 3 ASX shares to buy now

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

Read more »

A male investor wearing a blue shirt looks off to the side with a miffed look on his face as the share price declines.
Share Fallers

Why COG, Karoon Energy, Netwealth, and Pilbara Minerals shares are dropping today

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

Read more »

Man drawing an upward line on a bar graph symbolising a rising share price.
Share Gainers

Why Fiducian Group, Northern Star, Paradigm, and Santos shares are charging higher

These shares are avoiding the market selloff.

Read more »

Dollar sign in yellow with a red falling arrow in front of a graph, symbolising a falling share price.
Share Market News

Why did the ASX 200 just sink to new 2-month lows on Friday?

It’s been a rocky week for the ASX 200. But why?

Read more »

Woman looking at a phone with stock market bars in the background.
Opinions

I'm buying these quality ASX shares to capitalise on the decline

These are the shares I'd buy if the markets get any worse.

Read more »