Why the QBE (ASX:QBE) share price is on a rollercoaster today

The 5.8 earthquake that affected much of Victoria this morning might have cooled sentiment for ASX insurance shares.

| More on:
a person with clipboard and pen assesses a crack in a brick wall, perhaps caused by an earth tremor.

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

The QBE Insurance Group Ltd (ASX: QBE) share price is edging back into the green after a tough morning's trade.

The insurers' stock has rebounded amid dwindling concerns surrounding a magnitude 5.8 earthquake that affected Melbourne and much of Victoria this morning.

At the time of writing, the QBE share price has rebounded to $11.30, 0.27% higher than its previous close.

While QBE shares have recovered, other ASX-listed insurance providers' stock isn't faring so well.

The Suncorp Group Ltd (ASX: SUN) share price is currently 0.84% lower than its previous close. While that of Insurance Australia Group Ltd (ASX: IAG) is currently down 2.19%.

Let's take a look at how the QBE share price has been performing in the wake of the earthquake.

QBE share price recovers as earthquake damage tallied

The QBE share price has bounced back from a poor start to today's session.

Meanwhile, the damage caused by a 5.8 magnitude earthquake in Mansfield, Victoria has come to light.

The state's acting premier, James Merlino, told a press conference no injuries were sustained as a result of the quake.

However, the government is aware of 46 reports of damage to buildings in Mansfield and suburbs of Melbourne.

Merlino also noted calls to 000 and call outs for assistance from the State Emergency Service spiked earlier today but are now back to normal levels.

Tremors from the earthquake were felt as far away as Launceston and Sydney.

The state also experienced 3 aftershocks in the hour following the initial quake. They reached magnitudes of 5.5, 4.0, and 3.0.

Experts have noted today's earthquake is the highest magnitude quake felt by eastern Australia in decades.

As a result, the market might have been expecting it to have caused more damage than it seemingly did, thereby affecting ASX-listed insurance companies.

The QBE share price dipped quickly upon open and has steadily regained its losses, reaching its intraday high just before noon.

Motley Fool contributor Brooke Cooper 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 owns shares of and has recommended Insurance Australia Group Limited. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Bruce Jackson.

More on Financial Shares

Two people lazing in deck chairs on a beautiful sandy beach throw their hands up in the air.
Dividend Investing

Suncorp shares tread water as investors digest 2026 dividend timeline

Here’s what income investors need to know.

Read more »

A woman wearing a lifebuoy ring reaches up for help as an arm comes down to rescue her.
Investing Strategies

Investing in a higher-for-longer world and the ASX sector built to cope

Boring, resilient, and quietly powerful.

Read more »

Businesswoman holds hand out to shake.
Financial Shares

Fintech Humm Group is fielding a takeover offer at a 16% premium

Humm Group shares have jumped on the news.

Read more »

A couple calculate their budget and finances at home using laptop and calculator.
Financial Shares

Here's the earnings forecast out to 2030 for Macquarie shares

Macquarie could become one of the most profitable businesses on the ASX.

Read more »

Green stock market graph with a rising arrow symbolising a rising share price.
Broker Notes

Up 813% in 5 years, why Macquarie expects this surging ASX 200 stock to keep outperforming in 2026

Macquarie forecasts more outperformance from this surging ASX 200 stock. Let’s see why.

Read more »

A young man talks tech on his phone while looking at a laptop. A financial graph is superimposed across the image.
Financial Shares

MFF Capital just announced a major leadership change. Here's what it means for investors

MFF Capital has unveiled a major leadership change, and investors are watching closely to see what it means for the…

Read more »

ASX board.
Financial Shares

ASX Ltd shares drop 6% on $150m capital charge

The stock is now down 18% year to date, reflecting governance concerns and mounting transformation costs.

Read more »

Man holding Australian dollar notes, symbolising dividends.
Financial Shares

An 8.7% special dividend sounds great, but there's a catch!

This company reckons it can both pay out a special dividend and conserve cash using a "unique" strategy.

Read more »