Iron ore just passed US$160 per tonne. So why is the Fortescue share price slipping?

Disruptions from Russia's invasion of Ukraine and signs of new stimulus spending from the Chinese government are sending iron ore prices higher.

| 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

The Fortescue Metals Group Ltd (ASX: FMG) share price isn't flying higher alongside the rising iron price.

Iron ore jumped another 1% overnight to reach US$160 per tonne.

However, the Fortescue share price is down 0.1% at time of writing even as the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) charges 0.6% higher.

Fortescue shares closed yesterday at $21.70 and are currently trading for $21.69.

What's happening in the markets?

Iron ore is still a fair way off its July 2021 highs of US$218 per tonne. But the industrial metal has charged higher from the US$120 per tonne it was trading for on 1 January this year.

Part of the price rise is due to the increasing likelihood that China, the world's biggest importer of iron ore, looks set to get a boost from government spending meant to stimulate the Chinese economy.

Russia's invasion of Ukraine has also put pressure on iron ore and steel markets. Russia and Ukraine together are responsible for some 4% of the world's annual iron ore production.

Why isn't the Fortescue share price responding today?

So, with iron ore prices rising again, why isn't the Fortescue share price responding today?

Part of that answer lies in the 26% gains Fortescue shares have posted since 15 March, when iron ore was trading for US$145 per tonne.

The other reason the Fortescue share price is lagging today lies with the risk-on moves in the global and local markets that's seeing investors snapping up high-growth tech shares.

Yesterday, overnight Aussie time, the tech-heavy Nasdaq gained 1.9%.

Down under today, materials are the worst performing sector, with the S&P/ASX 200 Materials Index (ASX: XMJ) down 0.28%. As for ASX tech shares, the S&P/ASX All Technology Index (ASX: XTX) is up 2.7% at time of writing.

Long-term investors shouldn't be fretting about the slight dip in the Fortescue share price today though. If you'd bought shares five years ago, you'd be sitting on gains of 255%.

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

gold, gold miner, gold discovery, gold nugget, gold price,
Resources Shares

This ASX mining stock is up 350% in 2025 and its gold hunt just hit hyper speed

Big year ahead.

Read more »

A green fully charged battery symbol surrounded by green charge lights representing the surging Vulcan share price today
Share Market News

Up 300% in 6 months! This soaring ASX lithium stock just took a major step to production

Marching forward.

Read more »

A black cat waiting to pounce on a mouse.
Resources Shares

$2,000 in this ASX share two years ago would be worth $8,078 today

Two years ago, this ASX small-cap stock was worth 25.5 cents. Today, it's trading at $1.03.

Read more »

two people sit side by side on a rollercoaster ride with their hands raised in the air and happy smiles on their faces
Opinions

Up over 200% in 6 months: Are Pilbara Minerals shares still a buy?

How high can the lithium producer’s shares go?

Read more »

Image of young successful engineer, with blueprints, notepad and digital tablet, observing the project implementation on construction site and in mine.
Resources Shares

Expert lists its top resources shares to target in December

These resources shares could be set to benefit from improving market conditions.

Read more »

Three satisfied miners with their arms crossed looking at the camera proudly
Resources Shares

Major ASX 200 mining shares hit 52-week highs

BHP, Fortescue, and Rio Tinto shares set new 52-week highs today.

Read more »

Gold bars on top of gold coins.
Share Market News

Up 76% in less than a year and this ASX mining stock just revealed some "exceptional" gold news

“Outstanding” results.

Read more »

Two workers working with a large copper coil in a factory.
Resources Shares

Top fundie names 2 ASX 200 copper shares to buy today

A leading fund manager tips two ASX cooper shares to buy amid surging copper prices.

Read more »