ASX 200 down 0.1%: Altium rockets, NAB hit with AUSTRAC investigation

It has been a very eventful start to the week for the ASX 200…

A woman sits on her lounge in front of her laptop looking concerned.

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 Monday, the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) has given back its morning gains and is edging lower. The benchmark index is currently down 0.1% to 7,285.6 points.

Here's what is happening on the market today:

Altium rockets on takeover approach

The Altium Limited (ASX: ALU) share price surged a whopping 40% higher this morning after receiving a takeover approach from US giant Autodesk. The US$62 billion US-based multinational software company made a formal, non-binding, indicative and unsolicited proposal of $38.50 per share. This represents a 41.5% premium to its last close price. Though, it is also a 4.2% discount to its 52-week high. The Altium Board believes it undervalues the company and has rejected the offer.

AUSTRAC investigations

A number of ASX 200 shares have been hit with AUSTRAC investigations on Monday amid concerns over Australian Anti-Money Laundering and Counter-Terrorism Financing non-compliance. Banking giant National Australia Bank Ltd (ASX: NAB) and casino and resorts operators Crown Resorts Ltd (ASX: CWN), SKYCITY Entertainment Group Limited (ASX: SKC), and Star Entertainment Group Ltd (ASX: SGR) have all reported formal enforcement investigations. You can read about SKYCITY here and NAB here.

Tech shares rise

It isn't just the Altium share price on the rise today in the tech sector. Fellow tech shares Afterpay Ltd (ASX: APT) and Appen Ltd (ASX: APX) are pushing higher today following a strong end to the week on the tech-heavy Nasdaq index. The famous index jumped a sizeable 1.5% on Friday night following the release of a solid US jobs report. This has led to the S&P/ASX All Technology Index (ASX: XTX) rising 1.4% today.

Best and worst ASX 200 performers

The best performer on the ASX 200 on Monday is the Altium share price by some distance. It is up over 33% following its takeover approach. The worst performer has been the SKYCITY share price with a 4.5% decline following the AUSTRAC news.

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 has recommended AFTERPAY T FPO, Altium, and Appen Ltd. The Motley Fool Australia owns shares of and has recommended AFTERPAY T FPO, Altium, and Appen Ltd. 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

A man holding a cup of coffee puts his thumb up and smiles while at laptop.
Share Market News

NEXTDC receives approval for new S4 Sydney Data Centre

NEXTDC has secured development approval for its S4 Sydney Data Centre, supporting future growth in digital infrastructure.

Read more »

Smiling man working on his laptop.
Broker Notes

Buy, hold, sell: Medibank, PLS, and Woolworths shares

Analysts have given their verdicts on these shares. Are they bullish or bearish?

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 Brightstar, EVT, Monash IVF, and Pro Medicus shares are dropping today

These shares aren't spreading the Christmas cheer on Wednesday.

Read more »

a man raises his fists to the air in joyous celebration while learning some exciting good news via his computer screen in an office setting.
Share Gainers

Why Clarity, DroneShield, St Barbara, and Treasury Wine shares are charging higher today

These shares are making investors smile on Christmas Eve.

Read more »

A cool young man walking in a laneway holding a takeaway coffee in one hand and his phone in the other reacts with surprise as he reads the latest news on his mobile phone
Broker Notes

Bell Potter says this newly listed ASX stock could rocket 80%

The broker has good things to say about this stock following its recent IPO.

Read more »

A woman in a bright yellow jumper looks happily at her yellow piggy bank.
Share Market News

Was it a good idea to invest $10,000 in CBA shares in 2025?

Was buying this 'overvalued' bank a smart move in 2025? Let's find out.

Read more »

A couple sit in their home looking at a phone screen as if discussing a financial matter.
Share Market News

Ventia wins $100m NSW cleaning contract, boosting services outlook

Ventia wins a $100 million NSW Government cleaning contract, further strengthening its essential services presence in Western Sydney.

Read more »

View of hand holding pen signing new deal with glasses sitting on table next to contract papers
Share Market News

DroneShield secures $6.2 million Asia Pacific contract

DroneShield has announced a $6.2 million contract with an Asia Pacific military client, expanding its defence industry presence.

Read more »