At lunch on Thursday, the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) is on course to record a sizeable decline. The benchmark index is currently down 1% to 7,452.2 points.
Here's what is happening on the ASX 200 today:
BHP shares go ex-dividend
The BHP Group Ltd (ASX: BHP) share price is falling heavily today after trading ex-dividend. Last month the Big Australian released its full year results and declared a record fully franked final dividend of 200 US cents or 273.6 Australian cents per share. This dividend will now be paid to eligible shareholders later this month on 21 September.
Flight Centre expansion
The Flight Centre Travel Group Ltd (ASX: FLT) share price is trading lower today despite announcing its expansion into the Japanese corporate travel market. According to the release, its leading FCM travel management business will enter Japan in January via a joint venture (JV) with Tokyo-based NSF Engagement Corporation. The company notes that the Japanese market is the world's fourth largest corporate travel market.
UBS remains bearish on Zip
The Zip Co Ltd (ASX: Z1P) share price is pushing higher despite being the subject of a bearish broker note out of UBS. According to the note, the broker has retained its sell rating and trimmed its price target on the buy now pay later provider's shares to $5.40. UBS has downgraded its earnings estimates to reflect higher operating costs.
Best and worst ASX 200 performers
The best performer on the ASX 200 on Thursday has been the Nuix Ltd (ASX: NXL) share price with a 4.5% gain. This is despite there being no news out of the investigative analytics and intelligence software provider. The worst performer has been the BHP share price with a 7% decline after going ex-dividend.
