Why the Fortescue (ASX:FMG) share price is falling again on Friday

This iron ore giant is falling again…

| More on:
A woman sits with her hands covering her eyes while lifting her spectacles sitting at a computer on a desk in an office setting.

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 Fortescue Metals Group Limited (ASX: FMG) share price is on course to end the week in the red.

In late morning trade, the iron ore producer's shares are down over 2% to $14.10.

This latest decline means the Fortescue share price is now down 6% in October.

Why is the Fortescue share price sliding today?

The weakness in the Fortescue share price today appears to have been driven by a sharp pullback in iron ore prices overnight.

It isn't just Fortescue's shares that are being impacted. Also falling today are fellow mining giant BHP Group Ltd (ASX: BHP) and Rio Tinto Limited (ASX: RIO).

Their shares are down approximately 3% at the time of writing, mirroring similar declines by their London and New York listed shares last night.

What's the latest on the iron ore price?

Traders were selling down iron ore prices overnight amid bearish sentiment in respect to steel prices and demand.

According to Metal Bulletin, the iron ore 62% fines Qingdao cfr price dropped US$7.14 or 5.75% to $116.93 per tonne.

It was a similar story for the low grade iron ore that Fortescue products. The price of 58% fines dropped 6.3% or US$5.99 per tonne to US$88.98 per tonne.

Is this a buying opportunity for investors?

According to a recent note out of Bell Potter, its analysts see a lot of value in the Fortescue share price.

The broker has a buy rating and $20.87 price target on its shares, which implies potential upside of 48%. It is also forecasting a massive 23% fully franked dividend yield in FY 2022 based on the current Fortescue share price.

Commenting on its share price weakness in recent months, the broker said: "While the share price currently looks like a falling knife, we are of the view that it remains a robust and attractive long-term investment and the current market valuation is an opportunity to build exposure."

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 Fallers

a man weraing a suit sits nervously at his laptop computer biting into his clenched hand with nerves, and perhaps fear.
Share Fallers

Why BHP, Lynas, Metals X, and Super Retail shares are dropping today

These shares are ending the week in the red.

Read more »

A young man clasps his hand to his head with his eyes closed and a pained expression on his face as he clasps a laptop computer in front of him, seemingly learning of bad news or a poor investment.
Share Fallers

Why Chalice Mining, Cleanaway, Kogan, and Perpetual shares are sinking today

These ASX shares are having a tough time on Wednesday. But why?

Read more »

man grimaces next to falling stock graph
Share Fallers

Why did this ASX 100 stock just crash 11%?

Cleanaway shares have been on a crazy roller-coaster over the past 24 hours.

Read more »

A woman with a sad face looks to be receiving bad news on her phone as she holds it in her hands and looks down at it.
Share Fallers

Why Brambles, Lifestyle Communities, Northern Star, and Select Harvests shares are sinking

These shares are having a tough session. 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 Cettire, DroneShield, St Barbara, and Star shares are dropping today

These ASX shares are having a tough time on Monday. But why?

Read more »

Woman in dress sitting in chair looking depressed
Consumer Staples & Discretionary Shares

Cettire share price plunges 6% after major investor pulls the plug

A 'red flag' triggered this investment company to sell out completely.

Read more »

A skydiving man in a jester hat and carrying a burger and sauce, pokes out his tongue at the camera, indicating all is not lost when you're falling.
Technology Shares

Why is the Droneshield share price crashing 19% on Monday?

Investors are sending shares in Droneshield down 19% in morning trade.

Read more »

A male investor wearing a blue shirt looks off to the side with a miffed look on his face as the share price declines.
Share Fallers

Why COG, Karoon Energy, Netwealth, and Pilbara Minerals shares are dropping today

These ASX shares are ending the week deep in the red. But why?

Read more »