ASX 200 (ASX:XJO) midday update: Crown jumps, WiseTech tumbles

Here's what's happening on Friday…

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 Friday, the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) is fighting hard to stay in positive territory. The benchmark index is currently up 0.1% to 7,384.4 points.

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

Man looks shocked as he works on laptop on top a skyscraper with stockmarket figures in graphic behind him.

Image source: Getty Images

Crown jumps on takeover approach

The Crown Resorts Ltd (ASX: CWN) share price surging higher after it received a takeover approach from private equity firm, Blackstone. According to the release, Blackstone has made an unsolicited and non-binding proposal to acquire all of the shares in Crown by way of a scheme of arrangement at a price of $12.50 cash per share. This will be reduced by the value of any dividends or distributions declared or paid by Crown.

WiseTech falls on AGM update

The WiseTech Global Ltd (ASX: WTC) share price is ending the week deep in the red. This follows the release of the logistics solutions platform provider's annual general meeting presentation. In the presentation, management reaffirmed its guidance for FY 2022. It continues to expect revenue of $600 million to $635 million (18% to 25% growth) and EBITDA of $260 million to $285 million (26% to 38% growth). It appears as though the market was expecting a guidance upgrade.

Lithium miners fall

It hasn't been a good day for lithium shares. A number of ASX lithium shares are falling on Friday and are weighing on the index. Orocobre Limited (ASX: ORE) and Pilbara Minerals Ltd (ASX: PLS) are both down around 3% at the time of writing. This may be due to profit taking from some investors after strong gains this year.

Best and worst ASX 200 performers

The best performer on the ASX 200 on Friday by some distance is the Crown share price with a 16% gain following its takeover approach. The worst performer has been the ALS Ltd (ASX: ALQ) share price with a 4.5% decline. This is despite there being no news out of the testing services company.

Motley Fool contributor James Mickleboro owns shares of Orocobre Limited. The Motley Fool Australia's parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. owns shares of and has recommended WiseTech Global. The Motley Fool Australia owns shares of and has recommended WiseTech Global. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Bruce Jackson.

More on ASX Share Market News

A happy male investor turns around on his chair to look at a friend while a laptop runs on his desk showing share price movements
Broker Notes

Buy, hold, sell: Newmont, Rio Tinto, and Santos shares

Morgans has updated its view on these mining shares.

Read more »

Happy work colleagues give each other a fist pump.
Share Gainers

These were the best-performing ASX 200 shares in July

These shares had a month to remember. Let's find out why.

Read more »

Male investor holds a magnifying glass to his eye.
Broker Notes

Brokers name 3 ASX shares to buy in August

Three broker buy ratings worth a closer look this month.

Read more »

An old-fashioned panel of judges each holding a card with the number 10
Share Gainers

Here are the top 10 ASX 200 shares today

The ASX scraped a win this Friday to close the week.

Read more »

A man dressed in a business suit freefalls from a rocky cliff with a grey sky background.
Share Fallers

Why these 3 ASX 200 stocks are crashing in this week's surging market

Investors sent these three ASX 200 shares tumbling 15% to 18% in this week’s rising market. But why?

Read more »

A woman draws on a clear screen a graph that shows a falling horizontal line.
52-Week Lows

2 ASX shares near 52-week lows I'd buy today

I think these businesses are significantly undervalued!

Read more »

three young children weariing business suits, helmets and old fashioned aviator goggles wear aeroplane wings on their backs and jump with one arm outstretched into the air in an arid, sandy landscape.
Share Gainers

3 ASX 200 stocks flying higher this week on big news

Investors sent these three ASX 200 shares flying higher following big announcements this week.

Read more »

A woman is excited as she reads the latest rumour on her phone.
ASX Share Market News

Why Capstone Copper, Weebit Nano, and Fortescue shares are turning heads on Friday

Why is everyone talking about Fortescue, Capstone Copper, and Weebit Nano shares today?

Read more »