Why is the Fortescue Metals (ASX:FMG) share price sliding 5% today?

What is impacting the Fortescue share price today?

| More on:
Worker in hard hat looks puzzled with one hand on chin

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

Key points

  • The Fortescue Metals share price is in the red nearly 5% today 
  • Global iron ore prices have plunged amid China COVID lockdowns 
  • Fortescue exported more than 93.1 million tonnes of iron ore in the first half of FY22

The Fortescue Metals Group Ltd (ASX: FMG) share price is well in the red on the ASX today.

The company's shares are currently swapping hands at $17.125, a 5.07% fall. In comparison, the  S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) is down 0.56% at the time of writing.

Let's take a look at what could be impacting the Fortescue share price.

Iron ore prices

Iron ore prices appear to be impacting the Fortescue share price today. Fortescue exported more than 93.1 million tonnes of iron ore in H1 FY22.

However, global iron ore prices have plunged recently amid resurgent COVID-19 lockdowns in China, according to a report on NAB trade. A climb in infections is raising concerns about China's projected economic growth, the report stated.

Iron ore's top traded May contract on the Dalian Commodity Exchange dropped 7% to 759.50 yuan (AU$166.43) a tonne, the Australian Financial Review reported. The iron ore April contract on the Singapore Exchange also fell 8.8% to $US143.80 per tonne. This is a two week low.

At the same time, the share price of fellow ASX miner Rio Tinto Ltd (ASX: RIO) is down more than 4% at the time of writing, currently trading at $106.66. BHP Group Ltd (ASX: BHP) shares are also down more than 4%.

In other news, Fortescue founder Andrew 'Twiggy' Forrest met with Egypt's Prime Minister on Monday. As my Foolish colleague Tristan reported, the meeting explored potential green hydrogen opportunities.

Fortescue on the ASX recap

The Fortescue share price has lost 16% in the past year. It's fallen 24% in the past month alone, shedding 10.6% year to date.

Meanwhile, the benchmark ASX index has returned nearly 5% over the past 12 months.

Fortescue has a market capitalisation of about $53 billion based on its current share price.

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 Resources Shares

A female miner wearing a high vis vest and hard hard smiles and holds a clipboard while inspecting a mine site with a colleague.
Resources Shares

Bell Potter names the best ASX mining shares to buy

Lithium and copper are on the menu for this leading broker.

Read more »

A female employee in a hard hat and overalls with high visibility stripes sits at the wheel of a large mining vehicle with mining equipment in the background.
Resources Shares

BHP share price in the green on Thursday and tipped for more gains ahead

BHP, Fortescue, and Rio Tinto shares are all gaining on Thursday amid another uptick in global iron ore prices.

Read more »

Miner and company person analysing results of a mining company.
Resources Shares

Buy or sell? Brokers argue best play for ASX 200 iron ore share, up 30% in 2 months

There are conflicting opinions among the experts.

Read more »

rising gold share price represented by a green arrow on piles of gold block
Gold

ASX 200 gold stock Chalice Mining just rocketed 14%. Here's why

Atop gold, the ASX 200 miner also explores for and produces platinum group elements (PGE), nickel and copper.

Read more »

Two miners standing together.
Resources Shares

Rio Tinto share price dips on US$6.2 billion project development costs

Rio Tinto expects first production from its Simandou iron ore project in 2025.

Read more »

Miner standing in front of a vehicle at a mine site.
Resources Shares

What is the outlook for South32 shares in 2024?

Is there light at the end of the tunnel for this mining stock?

Read more »

Female miner standing smiling in a mine.
Resources Shares

Why is the Chalice Mining share price soaring 14% on Monday?

Chalice Mining shares are rocketing amid some big news.

Read more »

A man wearing a hard hat and high visibility vest looks out over a vast plain where heavy mining equipment can be seen in the background.
Resources Shares

The pros and cons of investing in this $12 billion ASX lithium share right now

Let’s dig into this opportunity.

Read more »