ASX 200 (ASX:XJO) midday update: Westpac asset sale blocked, Zip crypto update

Here's what's happening on the ASX 200 today…

Young woman dressed in suit sitting at cafe staring at laptop screen with hands to her forehead looking tense

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 Tuesday, the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) is trading marginally lower. The benchmark index is down slightly to 7,419.5 points.

Here's what is happening on the ASX 200 today:

Westpac asset sale blocked

The Westpac Banking Corp (ASX: WBC) share price is trading broadly flat today after revealing that its plan to divest its Pacific businesses has been dealt a blow. According to the release, the Papua New Guinea's Independent Consumer and Competition Commission has blocked the sale of its stake in Westpac Bank PNG to Kina Securities Limited (ASX: KSL). Westpac had signed a deal with Kina for both its PNG and Fiji businesses worth $420 million.

Brambles shares sink

The Brambles Limited (ASX: BXB) share price is sinking notably lower today following an update at its investor day. The market appears disappointed with management's guidance for underlying profit growth of ~1% to ~2% in FY 2022. This is due to management flagging FY 2022 as an investment year for the supply chain solutions company. Citi remains positive and has put a buy rating and $13.58 price target on its shares.

Zip Retail Investor Day

The Zip Co Ltd (ASX: Z1P) share price is trading lower following the release of its Retail Investor Day presentation. That presentation revealed the buy now pay later provider's plans for savings accounts, rewards, and cryptocurrencies. In respect to the latter, the company plans to let users buy, sell, hold, and even pay in cryptocurrencies. Investors may be disappointed that no trading update was provided with the release.

Best and worst ASX 200 performers

The best performer on the ASX 200 on Tuesday has been the Beach Energy Ltd (ASX: BPT) share price with a 7% gain. This follows a solid rise in oil prices overnight. The worst performer has been the Brambles share price with a 10% decline following its investor day update.

Motley Fool contributor James Mickleboro owns shares of Westpac Banking Corporation. The Motley Fool Australia's parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. owns shares of and has recommended ZIPCOLTD FPO. 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 Market News

Fancy font saying top ten surrounded by gold leaf set against a dark background of glittering stars.
Share Gainers

Here are the top 10 ASX 200 shares today

It was a rough start to the week for investors.

Read more »

a woman stands with her hand to the side of her head and a sad, slightly distressed look to her expression while holding a large glass of milk in her other hand.
Share Market News

The a2 Milk Company shares fall 11% after responding to an ASX price query

a2 Milk Company confirms no undisclosed news behind its latest share price drop following an ASX price query.

Read more »

CEO of a company looking straight ahead.
Share Market News

Region Group names Greg Chubb as new CEO and Managing Director

Greg Chubb will begin his new roles in March 2026.

Read more »

A man using a phone shouts and puts his hand out in a stop motion indicating the Yancoal trading halt today
Share Market News

The A2 Milk Company in trading halt: What investors should know

The A2 Milk Company shares have increased more than 40% in the past 12 months.

Read more »

Calculator and gold bars on Australian dollars, symbolising dividends.
Share Market News

Gold, silver hit new highs as US punishes Europe with tariffs over Greenland stance

The United States wants to buy Greenland for security purposes.

Read more »

Beautiful young woman drinking fresh orange juice in kitchen.
Share Gainers

Why Catalyst Metals, Lynas, Polynovo, and St George Mining shares are pushing higher today

These shares are starting the week with a bang. But why?

Read more »

A man sits in despair at his computer with his hands either side of his head, staring into the screen with a pained and anguished look on his face, in a home office setting.
Share Fallers

Why Fortescue, Life360, PLS, and Syrah shares are dropping today

These shares are starting the week in the red. But why?

Read more »

A few gold nullets sit on an old-fashioned gold scale, representing ASX gold shares.
Gold

Guess which surging ASX gold share is leaping another 18% today on high-grade results

Investors are piling into this small-cap ASX gold share today. But why?

Read more »