Why did the AMP (ASX:AMP) share price have such a terrible September?

Here's why the AMP share price underperformed last month.

| 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

Last month was lousy for the AMP Ltd (ASX: AMP) share price despite no news having been released by the financial services company.

AMP's stock started September trading at $1.10.

The month just gone saw it hit an all-time low. It reached 88.5 cents for the first time in its 22-year life as an ASX-listed company on 21 September.

At the time of writing, the AMP share price has rebounded slightly. It is currently 99 cents.

That represents a 10% drop over the course of September.

For comparison, the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) fell 2.6% over the month just been.

So, what drove the AMP share price downwards in September? Let's take a look.

senior couple disappointed and sad at their financial situation

Image source: Getty Images

The month that was for AMP

The AMP share price had an awful September on the ASX, dropping 10% despite no news having been released by the company.

While there was no news from AMP, the company hit headlines a number of times. It has had a lawsuit taken up against it and the future control of its AMP Capital Wholesale Office Fund has been questioned.

However, as there's been no price-sensitive news out of AMP since August, its poor month's performance is likely the continuation of an existing trend.

The AMP share price has been generally falling since 2018 when the Royal Commission into Misconduct in the Banking, Superannuation and Financial Services Industry dragged the financial institution through the coals.

The Royal Commission uncovered misconduct committed by AMP. It led to AMP admitting it had deceived the Australian Securities and Investment Commission (ASIC) and charged its customers fees without providing a service.

ASIC dropped its investigation into AMP's alleged criminal misconduct in July. Though, the good news hasn't noticeably bolstered the financial services provider's stock in the long term.

AMP's planned demerger might have also weighed on its share price last month. AMP announced its plan to demerge from its Private Markets business in April.

The company provided an update on the demerger in August. It hopes to be running AMP and its Private Markets business separately by the end of 2021 ahead of a demerger in the first half of 2022.  

AMP share price snapshot

Last month's poor performance has added to AMP's recent woes.

Its stock's value has fallen 36.5% over the course of 2021. It is also trading for 26.6% less than it was this time last year.

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 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 Financial Shares

A male electricity worker in hard hat and high visibility vest stands underneath large electricity generation towers as he holds a laptop computer and gazes up at the high voltage wires overhead.
Financial Shares

Why is Infratil cashing out of its Contact Energy shares?

The deal will see Infratil earn almost NZ$500m after it sells 53.5 million Contact Energy shares.

Read more »

A woman drawing image on wall of big fish about to eat a small fish.
Financial Shares

Soul Patts shares rise after taking stake in struggling ASX stock

Investors are watching Soul Patts’ latest move.

Read more »

A young woman sits with her hand to her chin staring off to the side thinking about her investments.
Financial Shares

What Macquarie's latest result tells investors about the year ahead

Macquarie Group just posted a 30% jump in full-year profit and a record second half.

Read more »

Green arrow going up on a stock market chart, symbolising a rising share price.
Financial Shares

5 years ago, $10,000 bought 63 Macquarie shares. But how many would it buy now?

Macquarie shares have significantly outperformed the ASX 200.

Read more »

Australian dollar notes in the pocket of a man's jeans, symbolising dividends.
Financial Shares

These two ASX financial services companies could both jump more than 50% Shaw and Partners says

These two companies are in an industry with high barriers to entry.

Read more »

investor staring off into the distance wondering when Flight Centre might pay a dividend again as the share price rises today
Financial Shares

Buy, hold, sell: COG Financial Services, Macquarie, CBA shares

Financial shares are down 5.5% this week compared to a 1.3% fall for the ASX 200.

Read more »

An executive stands looking out a glass window over the city.
Financial Shares

ASX shares rise as investors welcome a major leadership change

A major change at the top has put ASX shares back in focus.

Read more »

A share market investment manager monitors share price movements on his mobile phone and laptop
Financial Shares

GQG Partners reports growth in funds under management for April 2026

GQG Partners saw April FUM climb to US$166.9 billion, as strong investment performance offset net outflows.

Read more »