Why is the Block share price leaping 9% on Friday?

Block shares are storming ahead on a good day for the ASX tech sector.

| More on:
A man leaps from a stack of gold coins to the next, each one higher than the last.

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 S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) is having a pleasing end to the week so far this Friday. The ASX's flagship index has recorded a gain of 1% at the time of writing at just over 7,100 points. But one ASX share in particular is smashing the ASX 200 today. That would be the US fintech company Block Inc (ASX: SQ2) share price.

Block, which owes its ASX listing to its new ownership of Afterpay, is on fire today, no way around it. Block shares are presently up a pleasing 9.2% at $126.83 a share after the company closed at $116.10 yesterday and opened at $123.79 this morning.

Block share price rockets more than 9%

So why are Block shares shooting so dramatically higher today? Well, there hasn't been any news or announcements out of the company itself we can point to.

However, there is a palpable mood on the markets today. And it's one that is benefiting shares like Block. ASX tech shares are almost all enjoying some strong gains this Friday. We can see this in other tech shares including Zip Co Ltd (ASX: ZIP), Altium Limited (ASX: ALU), and Xero Limited (ASX: XRO).

Further, last night saw Block Inc (NYSE: SQ) – the company's primary US listing – rocket 6.19% to US$87.14 a share. This came after Block held an investor presentation over in the US on Wednesday.

As our Fool colleagues over in the US covered at the time, one analyst called this presentation "a compelling vision of how various components of its ecosystem will become increasingly connected and synergistic over time". Another described Block as "on a path to "eventually [becoming] a bank".

So it's perhaps no wonder that Block's ASX listing is also steaming ahead today.

The Block share price is now up 10% since last Friday's close, but still remains deep in the red over the past month (down almost 25%) and over 2022 so far (down more than 28%).

At the current Block share price, this ASX 200 fintech share has a market capitalisation of US$50.59 billion.

Motley Fool contributor Sebastian Bowen has positions in Block, Inc. The Motley Fool Australia's parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has positions in and has recommended Altium, Block, Inc., Xero, and ZIPCOLTD FPO. The Motley Fool Australia has positions in and has recommended Block, Inc. and Xero. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

More on Technology Shares

Overjoyed man celebrating success with yes gesture after getting some good news on mobile.
Technology Shares

Why is this surging ASX tech stock jumping another 12% on Friday?

This growing company's shares are now up 380% since the start of the year.

Read more »

Man on computer looking at graphs
Technology Shares

3 reasons to buy Xero shares today

A leading investment expert has a bullish outlook on Xero shares. Let’s see why.

Read more »

A warehouse worker is standing next to a shelf and using a digital tablet.
Technology Shares

Is WiseTech shaping up as a bargain after its steep decline?

WiseTech shares have pulled back sharply in recent months, giving up a fair bit of the momentum they built earlier…

Read more »

discount asx shares represented by gold baloons in the form of thirty per cent.
Technology Shares

When a top ASX stock falls 30%, it gets my attention. Here's why

The recent share price fall has been hard to ignore, which raises the question of whether the market has overreacted…

Read more »

A man sits in casual clothes in front of a computer amid graphic images of data superimposed on the image, as though he is engaged in IT or hacking activities.
Technology Shares

Megaport shares tipped to jump another 60%: Here's why

Here's what will drive the shares higher over the next months.

Read more »

excited woman looking at ASX share price on computer screen
Technology Shares

4 reasons to buy this ASX 300 tech share today

A leading investment expert forecasts more outperformance from this ASX tech share.

Read more »

person sitting at outdoor table looking at mobile phone and credit card.
Technology Shares

Investors should put these 2 top ASX tech shares on the watchlist

These technology investments could deliver exciting growth.

Read more »

A woman scratches her head in dismay as she looks at chaotic scene at a data centre
Opinions

NextDC shares drop 23% from their peak: Buying opportunity or sign to sell-up?

The tech stock has suffered amid the sector-wide sell off over the past couple of months.

Read more »