Why the BHP share price is charging higher on Monday

The BHP share price is nearing a record high…

| More on:

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 BHP Group Ltd (ASX: BHP) share price has been a strong performer on Monday morning.

At the time of writing, the mining giant's shares are up almost 4% to $51.33.

This leaves the BHP share price trading within sight of its record high of $51.82.

Mining worker wearing hard hat and high vis vest holds thumbs up and smiles

Image source: Getty Images

Why is the BHP share price charging higher?

The BHP share price has taken off on Monday following an equally strong night of trade for its US-listed shares on Friday night. The Big Australian's NYSE-listed shares rose 4% on Friday after US markets raced to record highs.

Also giving the BHP share price a boost was a positive night for a number of key commodities that the mining giant produces.

One of those was oil. According to Bloomberg, the WTI crude oil price rose 2.2% to US$74.56 a barrel and the Brent crude oil price rose 1.4% to US$75.55 a barrel. Traders were buying oil after US inventories declined.

Base metals also performed positively on Friday. According to CommSec, the copper price lifted by 2.1% and the nickel price rose 2.4%. This was driven by news that China has loosened its lending requirements for financial institutions to boost its economic recovery.

And while the spot iron ore price softened by 0.8% to US$214.08 a tonne, this is still significantly higher than BHP's cost of production.

Can its shares climb even higher?

One leading broker that believes BHP shares can still climb higher from here is Macquarie Group Ltd (ASX: MQG).

According to a note from late last month, the broker has put an outperform rating and $63.00 price target on its shares.

Based on the latest BHP share price, this implies potential upside of almost 23% over the next 12 months excluding dividends. This stretches to over 30% if you include the dividends that Macquarie expects from BHP over the period.

Motley Fool contributor James Mickleboro has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia's parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. 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

A neon sign says 'Top Ten'.
Share Gainers

Here are the top 10 ASX 200 shares today

Investors had a rough start to the week.

Read more »

Three people with gold streamers celebrate good news.
Gold

Guess which ASX gold stock is leaping 22% in Monday's sinking market?

Investors are piling into this junior ASX gold stock on Monday. But why?

Read more »

Winning woman smiles and holds big cup while losing woman looks unhappy with small cup.
Share Gainers

Here are the top 10 ASX 200 shares today

It was a rough end to a tough week.

Read more »

three young children weariing business suits, helmets and old fashioned aviator goggles wear aeroplane wings on their backs and jump with one arm outstretched into the air in an arid, sandy landscape.
Share Gainers

3 ASX 200 stocks screaming higher in this week's sinking market

Investors sent these three ASX 200 stocks surging this week despite the broader market retrace. But why?

Read more »

A female athlete in green spandex leaps from one cliff edge to another representing 3 ASX shares that are destined to rise and be great
Share Gainers

Guess which ASX lithium share is leaping 14% in Friday's sinking market

Investors are piling into this small-cap ASX lithium miner today. But why?

Read more »

Man looking happy and excited as he looks at his mobile phone.
Share Gainers

Why Ampol, Atlantic Lithium, Brightstar, and Premier Investments shares are rising today

These shares are ending the week on a positive note. But why?

Read more »

3 children standing on podiums wearing Olympic medals.
Share Gainers

Here are the top 10 ASX 200 shares today

It was a horrid day on the markets.

Read more »

A young man punches the air in delight as he reacts to great news on his mobile phone.
Share Gainers

Why EBR, EOS, Racura, and Woodside shares are rising today

These shares are avoiding the market selloff.

Read more »