At lunch on Thursday, the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) is fighting hard to remain in positive territory. The benchmark index is currently up by 1.5 points to 7,511.9 points.
Here's what is happening on the ASX 200 today:
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ASX 200 bank shares largely positive
Three of the big four banks are doing their best to drive the ASX 200 higher today. Australia and New Zealand Banking GrpLtd (ASX: ANZ) shares are the only one in the group that are not pushing higher. The best performer among the big four has been the Commonwealth Bank of Australia (ASX: CBA) share price with a gain of 0.6%.
Shares fall after going ex-dividend
A number of ASX 200 dividend shares are in the red today after going ex-dividend this morning for their latest distributions. This includes property companies Charter Hall Group (ASX: CHC) and Mirvac Group (ASX: MGR), and toll road operator Transurban Group (ASX: TCL). All three will be paying their dividends to eligible shareholders in February.
Sandfire's MATSA acquisition update
The Sandfire Resources Ltd (ASX: SFR) share price is pushing higher today after its proposed acquisition of MATSA took a step closer to completion. This morning the copper miner revealed that the Foreign Investment Authority and Competition Authority in Spain has approved the US$1,865 million acquisition of the MATSA Mining Complex.
Best and worst ASX 200 performers
The best performer on the ASX 200 on Thursday has been the Bega Cheese Ltd (ASX: BGA) share price with a gain of almost 4%. Bell Potter recently named the food company as one of its top picks of 2022. The worst performer has been the IDP Education Ltd (ASX: IEL) share price with a 4% decline. Omicron concerns could be weighing on this language testing and student placement company's shares.
