At lunch on Thursday, the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) is on course to record another decent gain. The benchmark index is currently up 0.4% to 7,356.3 points.
Here's what is happening on the market today:
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Zip share price rockets
The Zip Co Ltd (ASX: Z1P) share price rocketed as much as 15% higher this morning before easing back. This follows speculation that a rival buy now pay later (BNPL) provider has acquired a strategic stake. The AFR is reporting that Swedish BNPL provider Klarna may have snapped up a 4% interest in Zip. This is understood to be a move designed to strengthen Klarna's position if the BNPL market consolidates to two to three leading global players in the future.
Megaport update
The Megaport Ltd (ASX: MP1) share price is pushing higher today following the release of its quarterly update. For the three months ended 30 June, Megaport reported its strongest customer additions of any quarter. Megaport added 168 new customers, bringing its total to 2,285 customers. This led to the elastic interconnection service provider reporting an 11% or $0.7 million quarter on quarter increase in monthly recurring revenue (MRR) to $7.5 million.
AMP asset sale
The AMP Ltd (ASX: AMP) share price is edging higher today after entering into a binding agreement with Macquarie Group Ltd (ASX: MQG) to sell its AMP Capital's Global Equities and Fixed Income (GEFI) business. Macquarie will acquire the business for a consideration of up to $185 million. AMP notes that this sale delivers on its strategy to focus on high-growth opportunities in private markets across real estate, infrastructure and associated adjacencies.
Best and worst ASX 200 performers
The best performer on the ASX 200 on Thursday has been the Zip share price with a 7% gain. This follows the aforementioned speculation about Klarna's investment. The worst performer has been the WiseTech Global Ltd (ASX: WTC) share price is down 2.5%. This morning Macquarie downgraded the logistics solutions company's shares to a neutral rating partly on valuation grounds.
