ASX 200 midday update: BlueScope and Fortescue rise, Boral tumbles

The ASX 200 is having a strong day on Wednesday…

A happy man and woman sit having a coffee in a cafe while she holds up her phone to show him the ASX shares that did best today.

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 Wednesday, the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) has followed the lead of Wall Street and is charging higher. The benchmark index is up 0.8% to 7,168.5 points.

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

Fortescue's leadership changes

The Fortescue Metals Group Limited (ASX: FMG) share price is pushing higher today. This follows the announcement of a raft of leadership changes that are being made as part of its evolution into a global green renewables and resources company. One key change will see Dr Andrew "Twiggy" Forrest AO return to lead Fortescue as its Executive Chairman. He will oversee the iron ore business for an interim period to help drive the company's transition when its current CEO, Elizabeth Gaines, concludes her tenure in August.

Boral downgrades earnings guidance

The Boral Limited (ASX: BLD) share price is sinking today after the building products company revealed that its earnings have taken a hit from recent inclement weather and higher energy prices. This means that Boral will fall short of its underlying earnings before interest and tax (EBIT) guidance of $145 million and $155 million.

BlueScope upgrades its earnings guidance

The BlueScope Steel Limited (ASX: BSL) share price is pushing higher after the steel producer upgraded its earnings guidance. Thanks to strong demand, the steel producer has lifted its underlying EBIT guidance for the second half of FY 2022 to between $1.375 billion to $1.475 billion. This compares to its prior guidance of $1.2 billion to $1.35 billion.

ASX 200 best and worst performers

The best performer on the ASX 200 on Wednesday has been the Megaport Ltd (ASX: MP1) share price with a 5.5% gain following a rebound in the tech sector. Going the other way, the Eagers Automotive Ltd (ASX: APE) share price is the worst performer with a 6% decline. This follows a trading update which revealed strong demand but tough supply conditions.

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 MEGAPORT FPO. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended MEGAPORT FPO. 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

Fancy font saying top ten surrounded by gold leaf set against a dark background of glittering stars.
Share Gainers

Here are the top 10 ASX 200 shares today

It was a rough start to the week for investors.

Read more »

a woman stands with her hand to the side of her head and a sad, slightly distressed look to her expression while holding a large glass of milk in her other hand.
Share Market News

The a2 Milk Company shares fall 11% after responding to an ASX price query

a2 Milk Company confirms no undisclosed news behind its latest share price drop following an ASX price query.

Read more »

CEO of a company looking straight ahead.
Share Market News

Region Group names Greg Chubb as new CEO and Managing Director

Greg Chubb will begin his new roles in March 2026.

Read more »

A man using a phone shouts and puts his hand out in a stop motion indicating the Yancoal trading halt today
Share Market News

The A2 Milk Company in trading halt: What investors should know

The A2 Milk Company shares have increased more than 40% in the past 12 months.

Read more »

Calculator and gold bars on Australian dollars, symbolising dividends.
Share Market News

Gold, silver hit new highs as US punishes Europe with tariffs over Greenland stance

The United States wants to buy Greenland for security purposes.

Read more »

Beautiful young woman drinking fresh orange juice in kitchen.
Share Gainers

Why Catalyst Metals, Lynas, Polynovo, and St George Mining shares are pushing higher today

These shares are starting the week with a bang. But why?

Read more »

A man sits in despair at his computer with his hands either side of his head, staring into the screen with a pained and anguished look on his face, in a home office setting.
Share Fallers

Why Fortescue, Life360, PLS, and Syrah shares are dropping today

These shares are starting the week in the red. But why?

Read more »

A few gold nullets sit on an old-fashioned gold scale, representing ASX gold shares.
Gold

Guess which surging ASX gold share is leaping another 18% today on high-grade results

Investors are piling into this small-cap ASX gold share today. But why?

Read more »