ASX 200 midday update: Macquarie and REA updates disappoint

It has been a very red day for the ASX 200 on Friday…

Disappointed man with his head on his hand looking at a falling share price his a laptop.

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

At lunch on Friday, the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) is on course to end the week deep in the red. The benchmark index is currently down 2.5% to 7,178.5 points.

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

Macquarie full year results

The Macquarie Group Ltd (ASX: MQG) share price is falling on Friday. This follows the release of the investment bank's full year results. Although Macquarie reported a profit surge in FY 2022, this still fell short of the market's lofty expectations. The company reported a second-half net profit of $2,663 million, up 31% over the prior corresponding period. This compares to Goldman Sachs' estimate of $2,800 million. Macquarie's $3.50 per share final dividend was also short of Goldman's forecast of $4.40 per share.

Block misses on earnings but outlook impresses

The Block Inc (ASX: SQ2) share price is trading lower but faring better than most in the tech sector today. This follows the release of a first quarter update that revealed softer than expected revenue and earnings. However, a strong start to the second quarter has offset this and prevented a much greater selloff.

REA shares sold off

The REA Group Limited (ASX: REA) share price has crashed to a 52-week low after the property listings company's third-quarter update disappointed. For the three months ended 31 March, REA delivered a 23% increase in revenue to $278 million and a 27% increase in EBITDA to $155 million. However, this was 7% and 6% lower, respectively, than Goldman Sachs' estimates.

Best and worst ASX 200 performers

The best performer on the ASX 200 on Friday has been the PolyNovo Ltd (ASX: PNV) share price with a 4% gain. This follows news that insiders have been buying the medical device company's shares. Going the other way, the News Corp (ASX: NWS) share price is the worst performer on the index with an 11% decline. This follows the release of the media giant's quarterly update.

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 positions in and has recommended Block, Inc. and POLYNOVO FPO. The Motley Fool Australia has positions in and has recommended Block, Inc. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended Macquarie Group Limited and REA Group Limited. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

More on Share Market News

santa looks intently at his mobile phone with gloved finger raised and christmas tree in the background.
Share Gainers

Here are the top 10 ASX 200 shares today

The ASX couldn't get into the Christmas spirit on our last trading day of the week.

Read more »

A man holding a cup of coffee puts his thumb up and smiles while at laptop.
Share Market News

NEXTDC receives approval for new S4 Sydney Data Centre

NEXTDC has secured development approval for its S4 Sydney Data Centre, supporting future growth in digital infrastructure.

Read more »

Smiling man working on his laptop.
Broker Notes

Buy, hold, sell: Medibank, PLS, and Woolworths shares

Analysts have given their verdicts on these shares. Are they bullish or bearish?

Read more »

a business man in a suit holds his hand over his eyes as he bows his head in a defeated post suggesting regret and remorse.
Share Fallers

Why Brightstar, EVT, Monash IVF, and Pro Medicus shares are dropping today

These shares aren't spreading the Christmas cheer on Wednesday.

Read more »

a man raises his fists to the air in joyous celebration while learning some exciting good news via his computer screen in an office setting.
Share Gainers

Why Clarity, DroneShield, St Barbara, and Treasury Wine shares are charging higher today

These shares are making investors smile on Christmas Eve.

Read more »

A cool young man walking in a laneway holding a takeaway coffee in one hand and his phone in the other reacts with surprise as he reads the latest news on his mobile phone
Broker Notes

Bell Potter says this newly listed ASX stock could rocket 80%

The broker has good things to say about this stock following its recent IPO.

Read more »

A woman in a bright yellow jumper looks happily at her yellow piggy bank.
Share Market News

Was it a good idea to invest $10,000 in CBA shares in 2025?

Was buying this 'overvalued' bank a smart move in 2025? Let's find out.

Read more »

A couple sit in their home looking at a phone screen as if discussing a financial matter.
Share Market News

Ventia wins $100m NSW cleaning contract, boosting services outlook

Ventia wins a $100 million NSW Government cleaning contract, further strengthening its essential services presence in Western Sydney.

Read more »